Space Brief 11 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's NROL-153 launch, US Space Force activities in Greenland, Starlink's record-breaking flight, and a OneWeb satellite glitch. Plus, our Satellite Spotlight shines on Duchifat-1.
STARLINK-32898 (62998)
COSPAR: 2025-031T | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 11, 2025
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62998
International Designator
2025-031T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 01:23:50 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
121.67°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
277.63°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-32898
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 62998U 25031T 26200.05822631 .00008231 00000+0 30822-3 0 9993
2 62998 43.0024 121.6680 0002493 277.6271 82.4297 15.27586604 81187
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 12-18-18
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 24 Dec 2025
SpaceX gears up for significant 2026 launches while a Starlink satellite anomaly provides insights into its operations.
Space Brief 30 Apr 2025
Today's briefing covers a significant hypersonic missile launch by the U.S. Army, the declassification of spy satellite photos aiding demining efforts, and the deployment of cutting-edge research payloads to the ISS.
Falcon 9 Lands in Bahamas for 2nd Time, Reentry Pollution Measured | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX lands Falcon 9 in The Bahamas for the second time ever during Starlink 10-34 mission. Scientists measure rocket reentry air pollution in real-time for the first time.
Kratos Wins $447M Space Force MEO Missile Tracking Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief
Kratos awarded $447 million Space Force contract for Resilient Missile Warning Tracking ground ops center in Medium Earth Orbit, shifting missile detection away from vulnerable GEO satellites.
SpaceX Buys Cursor AI for $60B After IPO, X Report 17 Jun 2026
SpaceX acquires Cursor AI maker Anysphere for $60B in its first post-IPO deal, as Falcon 9 lofts 3 Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile.
X Report 17 Dec 2025
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.
X Report 30 Apr 2025
SpaceX achieves a remarkable milestone with its 50th Falcon 9 launch of 2025, while Starlink continues to expand, facing competition from China's megaconstellation efforts.