X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
Launch Date
June 2, 1976
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
NORAD ID
08874
International Designator
1976-051B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:32:26 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
82.96°
Right Ascension
70.32°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
33.64°
Period
104.71 min
Mean Motion
13.75 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 31-283 Stage 2
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 08874U 76051B 26200.73085963 .00000062 00000+0 48948-4 0 9991
2 08874 82.9565 70.3242 0024809 33.6369 326.6356 13.75285340514419
Source: Celestrak
Length
4.2
Diameter
2.4
Span
4.2
Dry Mass
1434
Launch Mass
1434
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
4.639
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
S3M
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
OAZ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
S3
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
Today's coverage includes the cancellation of DARPA's DRACO nuclear propulsion project, global shifts in Earth observation strategy, and new developments in satellite technology and military collaborations.
China formalized a national VLEO industry alliance with multiple satellites sustaining operations below 300 kilometers altitude. Propulsion startups attracting investment.
DIU explores SpaceX Starship's in-space refueling; Investors advise startups against competing or emulating SpaceX.
SpaceX launches its 32nd cargo mission to the ISS, and NRO marks a milestone with over 200 satellites deployed.
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while EchoStar enhances its stake in the company through a $2.6 billion spectrum deal, amid growing demands for space domain awareness.
SpaceX ramps up Raptor 3 testing and the launch landscape heats up with Vulcan and Ariane set to lift off before Starlink missions.
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, while Starship prepares for its ninth test flight next week.