Space Brief 18 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force prioritizing military missions, testing new GPS satellite software, and international defense collaborations impacting space assets.
STARLINK-38086 (69998)
COSPAR: 2026-159Z | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
69998
International Designator
2026-159Z
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.29°
Right Ascension
39.80°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
75.26°
Period
90.78 min
Mean Motion
15.86 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-38086
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 69998U 26159Z 26200.83335647 -.01452798 00000+0 -67298-2 0 9994
2 69998 97.2863 39.8028 0001533 75.2635 81.7314 15.86330547 2590
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 17-48-24
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.
Space Brief 31 Dec 2025
Notable space events as the year closes: China's record orbital launches, Vandenberg's new launch site, Rocket Lab's achievements, and urgent MAVEN recovery efforts.
Space Force Picks Boeing 702MP for MUOS Follow-On | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force selects Boeing's 702MP spacecraft for next-generation MUOS satellites. Rocket Lab delivers Synspective's 10th StriX radar satellite. Track both missions.
X Report 9 May 2025
SpaceX makes strides in various sectors, from Starlink expanding services on United Airlines to new hardware aimed at enhancing home connectivity.
$4.16B Space Force Contract Goes to SpaceX, X Report 30 May 2026
SpaceX wins a $4.16B US Space Force contract for an airborne threat tracking satellite network. Starlink holds 10,413 satellites in orbit, 10,397 working.
Graveyard Orbit
The final resting place for retired satellites, a disposal orbit where defunct spacecraft are sent to stay out of the way
Space Brief 9 Dec 2024
Highlights include China's rising threats in space, a new Starlink launch, NASA's optimistic future, and a cosmic conjunction featuring the Moon and Saturn.
Space Brief 20 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers a DARPA award for Redwire's innovative satellite project, Ursa Major's expansion in defense engines, a Rocket Lab military test flight, and more.