Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
STARLINK-32901 (62895)
COSPAR: 2025-024S | Alt Name: Starlink 32901
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 4, 2025
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62895
International Designator
2025-024S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:30:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
301.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.21°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-32901
Alternative Name
Starlink 32901
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62895U 25024S 26200.35477441 .00014460 00000+0 53401-3 0 9998
2 62895 43.0016 301.6820 0001713 271.2070 88.8586 15.27575685 82405
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-32901 (OBJECT_ID: 2025-024S) is a Starlink V2M spacecraft launched by SpaceX on February 4, 2025, from the AFB Vandenberg launch site in California. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, indicating an extended structure likely for solar panels or antennas. It weighs approximately 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Its shape is described as "Box + pan," suggesting a main body with additional components attached. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 12-3-17 payload, aimed at enhancing SpaceX's internet connectivity constellation in Earth orbit.
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
700
Launch Mass
730
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 12-3-17
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
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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