Space Brief 15 Aug 2025
Discover the latest in space news with the ULA's recent launch for the US Space Force, significant developments in radar tracking at high altitudes, and impactful policy changes involving military space missions.
STARLINK-36984 (68168)
COSPAR: 2026-050B | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 14, 2026
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
68168
International Designator
2026-050B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:39:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
10.40°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
93.02°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-36984
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 68168U 26050B 26200.86108712 .00009198 00000+0 28302-3 0 9999
2 68168 53.1605 10.3989 0000851 93.0191 267.0909 15.34400525 20956
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 10-48-02
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.
The Day a Jupiter-Bound Spacecraft Traveled Past Venus
Thirty-five years ago, NASA's Galileo spacecraft made a crucial flyby of Venus, pioneering a complex path through the inner solar system that would revolutionize planetary exploration
SpaceX Acquires xAI, Starlink Bypasses Iran Internet Blackouts | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX acquires xAI to develop orbital data centers. Starlink terminals bypass Iran's government internet blackouts. Blue Origin escalates defense procurement criticism.
X Report 12 Apr 2025
Key developments include the launch of Starshield satellites for the NRO and updates on Starlink launches and NASA access concerns involving Elon Musk's team.
Artemis 2 Crewed Lunar Flyby Scheduled for April 1 | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Artemis II launches 4 astronauts on lunar flyby April 1. Soyuz-5 inaugural flight confirmed for April 3. Space warfare doctrines shift toward agentic AI for faster decision loops.
Space Brief 4 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers significant advancements in materials technology for space applications, a U.S. Navy contract for rocket production facilities, and NATO's upcoming classified cloud system.
X Report 27 Feb 2025
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets propel space exploration and connectivity forward with a moon landing mission, Starlink deployment, and readiness for another Starship launch trial.
Space Force Unveils New Alaska Radar, SDA Awards $3.5B for 72 Tracking Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force deploys new radar in Alaska for orbital tracking. SDA awards $3.5B for 72 missile defense satellites. Anysignal raises $24M for autonomous RF sensing technology.