Space Brief 6 May 2025
Today's brief covers a significant hypersonic flight by Stratolaunch, the US Space Force's missile warning upgrades, and major government space investments.
STARLINK-11555 (62915)
COSPAR: 2025-027J | Alt Name: Starlink 11555
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 8, 2025
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62915
International Designator
2025-027J
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:45:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
279.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
258.99°
Period
91.67 min
Mean Motion
15.71 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-11555
Alternative Name
Starlink 11555
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62915U 25027J 26199.57295971 .00117311 00000+0 90265-3 0 9999
2 62915 42.9978 279.0121 0002167 258.9946 101.0678 15.70897573 83775
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite, designated by NORAD as 62915 and known alternately as "Starlink 11555," is a Starlink V2M model manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 8, 2025, and became stable later the same day. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans about 29 meters when deployed. With a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms, it is part of the Starlink Group 12-9-09 payload. The shape of the satellite is described as "Box + pan," indicating its design features both box-like structures and panels likely for solar power or communication arrays. It is owned by SpaceX and operated under U.S. jurisdiction.
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 12-9-09
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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