Space Brief 14 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's 300th Starlink launch, NASA re-establishing contact with a TRACERS satellite, and budget concerns impacting the commercial remote sensing industry.
STARLINK-33597 (62763)
COSPAR: 2025-015F | Alt Name: Starlink 33597
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62763
International Designator
2025-015F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:03:46 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
67.73°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
113.54°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-33597
Alternative Name
Starlink 33597
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62763U 25015F 26200.91928529 .00004524 00000+0 15739-3 0 9994
2 62763 53.1574 67.7294 0001110 113.5441 246.5677 15.31712271 84737
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-33597 satellite, also known as Starlink 33597, is a part of the Starlink V2MO constellation owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 21, 2025, from Vandenberg Space Force Base's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite measures approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters when fully deployed. It weighs around 575 kilograms at launch, with a dry mass of about 530 kilograms. Its design consists of a box-shaped body with solar panels, enabling it to function as part of the Starlink Group 11-8-06 mission. The exact purpose and specific equipment details are not provided in the given data.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29
Dry Mass
530
Launch Mass
575
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 11-8-06
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2MO
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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