Space Brief 13 Mar 2025
Today's space brief highlights intriguing military satellite developments, new space launch strategies to counteract observation threats, and potential European defense industry advancements.
STARLINK-36987 (68321)
COSPAR: 2026-059A | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 22, 2026
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
68321
International Designator
2026-059A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:28:35 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
93.51°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
112.32°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-36987
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 68321U 26059A 26200.97819259 .00009238 00000+0 32361-3 0 9991
2 68321 53.1584 93.5082 0001519 112.3192 247.7970 15.30203979 18431
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 10-62-01
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
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