Space Brief 26 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights major developments including NASA's Dream Chaser contract modifications, Germany's significant investment in space capabilities, and advancements in hybrid satcom technology.
STARLINK-38068 (69984)
COSPAR: 2026-159K | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
69984
International Designator
2026-159K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.28°
Right Ascension
39.78°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
73.94°
Period
90.94 min
Mean Motion
15.83 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-38068
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 69984U 26159K 26200.83335647 -.01622441 00000+0 -85926-2 0 9991
2 69984 97.2850 39.7831 0001628 73.9441 36.7157 15.83392208 2591
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 17-48-10
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.
SpaceX IPO at $1.77T as SDA Faces Consolidation | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX launches Starlink while debuting on Nasdaq at $1.77 trillion valuation. Meanwhile, Senate FY2027 NDAA would dissolve SDA into Space Force, affecting Tranche constellation tracking.
GPS III SV10 Launches on Falcon 9, X Report 20 Apr 2026
GPS III SV10 launched April 21 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 with 3x better accuracy and 8x anti-jamming. Starlink stands at 10,263 working satellites.
Army Recruiting 1,000 Space Specialists Alongside Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief
Army launches space career field seeking 1,000 new specialists. HASC chair Rogers eyes $1.5T defense budget. Army and Marines share fire mission data via JADC2.
User-Inspired Update
A user suggestion led to the addition of new visualizations for satellites, debris, and unidentified objects across different orbits in KeepTrack.
X Report 2 Mar 2025
Starship receives FAA approval for its next test flight, while SpaceX prepares to launch more Starlink satellites amidst reaching 5 million subscribers.
Starlink Crosses 10,000 Active Satellites, X Report 18 Mar 2026
Starlink satellite count 2026: SpaceX tops 10,000 active satellites, 10,037 working of 11,558 launched, under seven years after first launch.
Space Brief 21 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, fascinating exoplanet discoveries, and strategic lunar developments by China and South Korea.