SpaceX Wins $178.5M Space Force Contract, X Report 3 Apr 2026
SpaceX secured a $178.5M Space Force contract to launch missile-tracking satellites from 2027, backing the Missile Track Custody threat-tracking layer.
Launch Date
January 14, 2026
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
NORAD ID
67460
International Designator
2026-008R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:57:06 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
178.32°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
287.93°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
STARLINK-36523
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Status
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 67460U 26008R 26200.99799470 .00008658 00000+0 32362-3 0 9998
2 67460 43.0023 178.3163 0002395 287.9329 72.1261 15.27596094 29801
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 6-98-16
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.
SpaceX secured a $178.5M Space Force contract to launch missile-tracking satellites from 2027, backing the Missile Track Custody threat-tracking layer.
SpaceX has completed the investigation into Starship Flight 7, announcing causes ahead of the next planned launch, while numerous missions are lined up for launch this week.
Jonathan's Space Report is a comprehensive resource for space launch and satellite data, compiled by astrophysicist Dr. Jonathan McDowell.
Today's highlights include SpaceX's Dragon cargo mission to the ISS, the first wooden satellite launch, and updates on NASA's Voyager mission. Additionally, the Space Force's X-37B space plane showcases unique aerobraking strategies.
Today's briefing covers significant events, including advancements in US missile warning systems, SpaceX's Florida Starship plans, a European rocket's success, and NASA's upcoming missions.
SpaceX continues to make strides with successful satellite launches and competitive maneuvering in the direct-to-device market, as AST SpaceMobile aligns with Verizon for space-based cellular services.
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites on the record-breaking 32nd flight of its Falcon 9 rocket. Elon Musk discusses a potential future as a Type II civilization, emphasizing the role of AI and satellite technology.
Discover lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's history, achievements, and innovations that have shaped the commercial space industry over the past two decades.