Space Brief 16 Sep 2025
Today's brief highlights the impact of military spending and technology competition on the space economy, new satellite connectivity partnerships, and defense spending pledges in Europe.
STARLINK-32871 (62924)
COSPAR: 2025-027T | Alt Name: Starlink 32871
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 8, 2025
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62924
International Designator
2025-027T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:42:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
102.90°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.98°
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-32871
Alternative Name
Starlink 32871
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62924U 25027T 26200.77926311 .00011187 00000+0 41531-3 0 9999
2 62924 43.0011 102.8965 0000769 268.9807 91.0957 15.27589111 81748
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite designated NORAD_CAT_ID 62924 is a Starlink V2M spacecraft owned and manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on February 8, 2025, and stabilized the same day at 20:23 UTC. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters, with a launch mass of 730 kg and a dry mass of 700 kg. Its shape is described as "Box + pan," indicating it likely has solar panels that extend to provide power. The satellite's payload is part of the Starlink Group 12-9-18 constellation, though specific details on its mission or purpose are not provided in the 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
700
Launch Mass
730
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 12-9-18
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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