The Day Space Became Crowded
Eight years ago, a single Indian rocket launched 104 satellites into orbit, marking a pivotal moment when space tracking professionals realized the dawn of a new, congested era in orbital operations
STARLINK-36998 (68286)
COSPAR: 2026-055AA | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 19, 2026
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
68286
International Designator
2026-055AA
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:44:48 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
61.65°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
91.28°
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-36998
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 68286U 26055AA 26201.03111948 .00012496 00000+0 38033-3 0 9997
2 68286 53.1575 61.6471 0001242 91.2811 268.8334 15.34400609 20248
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 10-33-25
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.
Musk Outlines Starship Tower Catch Plan, February Ends With 83 Sats | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk confirms Starship V3 tower catch attempt plans with SN1 headed for ground tests. SpaceX wraps February with 83 Starlink satellites across three launches. 9,826 sats on orbit.
Trump Seeks Starlink for Iran Internet, China Plans 200,000-Satellite Constellation | KeepTrack Space Brief
Trump seeks Musk's help to restore internet in Iran via Starlink. China files for 200,000-satellite constellation. Sweden allocates $1.6B for air defense and $140M for space capabilities.
SDA Awards $3.5B Tracking Layer Contracts to Lockheed, Rocket Lab | KeepTrack Space Brief
SDA awards $3.5B in contracts for 72 Tracking Layer satellites to Lockheed Martin and Rocket Lab. Terran Orbital selected for satellite bus production. Israel eyes 2026 defense growth.
Track the International Space Station
A look at how tracking the space station offers a unique view of space exploration.
How does Google Map's Satellite View Feature Work?
Learn which satellites take photos and why we can't get updates instantly.
X Report 7 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while EchoStar enhances its stake in the company through a $2.6 billion spectrum deal, amid growing demands for space domain awareness.
Space Brief 24 Jun 2025
Today's top space events include a new military satellite launch by York Space, advancements in phased array antennas by Space Force, and the debut of Denmark's Arctic satellite. Also covered are developments in Starlink's services in Vietnam.