Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
STARLINK-5137 (53975)
COSPAR: 2022-125M | Alt Name: Starlink 5137
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53975
International Designator
2022-125M
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:18:19 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
343.83°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
96.08°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5137
Alternative Name
Starlink 5137
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53975U 22125M 26201.13772255 .00001010 00000+0 81544-4 0 9991
2 53975 53.1622 343.8257 0001187 96.0847 264.0280 15.08844654209393
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5137 satellite, also known as Starlink 5137, is a communication spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on October 5, 2022, from AFWTR's SLC4E pad using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span with a shape described as "Box + pan." It weighs 305 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link, it also features krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays coupled with batteries to supply power. The satellite was part of the Starlink Group 4-29-12 mission and became stable on October 6, 2022, at 56:11 UTC.
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.
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
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
290
Launch Mass
305
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-29-12
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
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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