Space Brief 13 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches a doubleheader of satellites while Blue Origin prepares for a historic all-female spaceflight. Also, meet FORMOSAT-5 in our Satellite Spotlight.
STARLINK-35778 (66973)
COSPAR: 2025-288Q | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 8, 2025
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
66973
International Designator
2025-288Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:51:45 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
357.12°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
261.32°
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-35778
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 66973U 25288Q 26200.78594725 .00007206 00000+0 27112-3 0 9993
2 66973 43.0003 357.1169 0001558 261.3190 98.7485 15.27581519 35492
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
530
Launch Mass
575
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 6-92-15
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
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 28 Feb 2025
SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.
X Report 1 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 19 Starlink satellites from California amidst a weather-related scrub of the Crew-11 mission to the ISS, showcasing the company’s focus on expanding its satellite constellation while overcoming operational challenges.
Space Brief 30 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers the latest satellite communications advancements, a secretive military launch by SpaceX, and new space defense organizational structures.
The Day Discovery Took Her Final Flight
Fourteen years ago, Space Shuttle Discovery thundered into orbit one last time, carrying a robot astronaut and capping a remarkable 27-year career that revolutionized space exploration
Space Brief 24 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include the successes and setbacks in recent rocket launches, a notable satellite anomaly, and a significant expansion announcement from ESA.
Atlas 5 551 Flies Last Mission for Amazon Kuiper | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA launched Atlas 5 551 configuration for final time on July 1, deploying Amazon Kuiper broadband satellites. New Glenn pad rebuild underway at LC-36 after May explosion.
Space Brief 19 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, Space Dynamics Lab's new collaboration with the Space Force, and shifts within the Pentagon's AI division.