Space Brief 12 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers a groundbreaking national security mission for ULA's Vulcan, NASA's collaboration with LeoLabs for enhanced collision avoidance, and SEOPS' new satellite tracking services, among other key developments.
STARLINK-32863 (62968)
COSPAR: 2025-029W | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62968
International Designator
2025-029W
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 19:27:35 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
342.65°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
81.49°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-32863
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62968U 25029W 26199.81082301 .00018147 00000+0 59491-3 0 9990
2 62968 53.1603 342.6464 0000628 81.4944 278.6129 15.31710166 80549
Source: Celestrak
Summary
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
29.0
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 11-10-21
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 8 Apr 2025
Key highlights include the launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut to the ISS, multi-billion dollar contracts awarded by the US Space Force, advancements in secure GPS technology, and a strategic ISR arrangement.
Vigoride 5 and the Space Tug That Had to Work
Object 55056 rode a SpaceX rideshare into orbit carrying more than customer satellites. It carried the survival of Momentus, a company that had already lost its founder to a national security review, settled SEC fraud charges, and watched its first space tug die in orbit.
The Rocket That Refused to Sink
On April 18, 2014, a Falcon 9 first stage did something no orbital rocket had ever done before. It fired its engines on the way down, steered itself through the atmosphere using grid fins that did not yet exist, and touched the Atlantic Ocean softly enough to survive the impact. Nobody recovered it. The data was the whole point.
Space Brief 27 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's dual Starlink launches, NASA's progress on the Dragonfly mission to Titan, and delays in Starlink's Indian market entry.
Space Brief 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.
Space Brief 10 Nov 2024
Long March 2C launches four PIESAT-2 radar satellites, Gilmour Space secures Australia's first orbital launch permit, NASA extends ISS cargo contracts through 2030, ESA and Arianespace face industry crossroads.
X Report 24 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the Transporter-14 mission, adding multiple payloads, including Canadian satellites and a memorial capsule, while Starlink expands its services in Vietnam and enhances T-Mobile's reach.