Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.
Launch Date
December 2, 2025
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
NORAD ID
66862
International Designator
2025-281Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:36:52 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
317.99°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
268.88°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
STARLINK-35974
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Status
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 66862U 25281Q 26200.69226855 .00011594 00000+0 43000-3 0 9998
2 66862 43.0018 317.9888 0002010 268.8794 91.1828 15.27593035 36375
Source: Celestrak
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29.0
Dry Mass
530
Launch Mass
575
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Starlink Group 6-95-15
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2MO
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.
A Falcon 9 booster fails to land, increasing GPS and PNT significance for national security, and NASA's SLS mobile launch platform costs soar.
Today's brief covers major developments including the introduction of BAHA drones, increased defense spending by Estonia, and consequential announcements on military budgets impacting space-related activities.
SpaceX sets a reuse record with Falcon 9, advances Starship program, while Starlink influences satellite market dynamics.
Explore the recent signing of the Artemis Accords by Chile, Boeing's strategic considerations, and captivating space missions including China's satellite endeavors and the James Webb Space Telescope's latest discovery.
Today's Space Brief covers a Soyuz launch mishap that damaged Baikonur pad, Varda Space's AFRL test flights, ION vehicles aboard SpaceX Transporter-15, and more.
China formalized a national VLEO industry alliance with multiple satellites sustaining operations below 300 kilometers altitude. Propulsion startups attracting investment.
CSIS analysis identifies 75 unusual orbital maneuvers by Chinese GEO satellites over 10 years, consistent with military reconnaissance. Track GEO objects via KeepTrack.