SpaceX Lands $2.29B Space Force Contract, X Report 27 May 2026
SpaceX wins a $2.29 billion US Space Force contract for a military space data network, NASA adds 6 crew missions, and Starship V3 makes its first flight.
Launch Date
February 2, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
NORAD ID
55479
International Designator
2023-015AG
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:08:29 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
292.70°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
286.11°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
STARLINK-5688
Alternative Name
Starlink 5688
Type
Status
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 55479U 23015AG 26201.29756640 -.00000634 00000+0 -13512-4 0 9991
2 55479 43.0037 292.7050 0001318 286.1050 73.9657 15.27572986191087
Source: Celestrak
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
290
Launch Mass
305
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Starlink Group 5-3-31
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX wins a $2.29 billion US Space Force contract for a military space data network, NASA adds 6 crew missions, and Starship V3 makes its first flight.
When a 135-foot inflatable mirror bounced a radio signal from England to Russia, it became the first joint US-Soviet space venture - and changed how we think about satellite communication.
Artemis 2's four-person crew splashed down April 10 after first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17. Orion performance data critical for Artemis 3 south pole landing planning.
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, nearing milestone of 7,000 in orbit. Boeing and Airbus consider divesting from space, impacting industry dynamics.
Today's highlights include the cancellation of Starship landing plans, Planet Labs' defense expansion, and cutting-edge radiation-hardened tech for space and defense.
SpaceX awarded $178.5M Space Force contract for missile tracking satellite launches beginning 2027. Pentagon also extends GPS modernization support with $45M Raytheon order.
SpaceX prepares for a busy launch schedule with key upgrades at Starbase and notable Starlink missions. Recent close approaches in orbit underscore the complexities of satellite operations.
Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.