Space Brief 19 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights significant developments in space defense, innovation fund challenges, and international defense agreements impacting satellite utilities.
STARLINK-37904 (69947)
COSPAR: 2026-157E | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 9, 2026
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
69947
International Designator
2026-157E
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
272.51°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
74.25°
Period
91.09 min
Mean Motion
15.81 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-37904
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 69947U 26157E 26200.83335647 -.00028943 00000+0 -14362-3 0 9991
2 69947 53.1587 272.5104 0000761 74.2496 192.4315 15.80869055 2906
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 10-42-05
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.
Kratos Wins $446M Space Force Missile-Warning Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
Kratos Defense awarded $446M Space Force contract for RMWT missile-warning ground systems. Rocket Lab secures $190M Pentagon deal for 20 hypersonic test flights.
Space Brief 8 May 2025
Today we cover new appointments at NASA, calls for increased Space Force funding, and a successful test of a hypersonic vehicle. Further investigations target SpaceX, and a documentary highlights space superiority.
Ku-Band
The frequency band that brought satellite TV to small dishes on rooftops and revolutionized direct-to-home broadcasting
SpaceX Starfall Reentry Vehicle Plans Revealed by FAA | KeepTrack X Report
FAA documents expose SpaceX's Starfall reentry vehicle program, targeting in-space manufacturing support as the Starlink constellation holds 10,397 working satellites.
The Satellite That Taught Us What We Were Doing to the Planet
Landsat 7 launched on April 15, 1999, designed to last five years. It operated for twenty-five, survived a failure that destroyed a fifth of every image it took, and became part of the longest continuous record of Earth's surface ever assembled. Then they made the data free.
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
Why Nobody Can See What Is Happening Near the Moon
The volume of space between Earth and the Moon is roughly a thousand times larger than the orbit we actually watch, and almost none of it is under surveillance. As the U.S. and China race to build lunar outposts, the Space Force is scrambling to put eyes on a region it has been effectively blind to.