Space Brief 20 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's Starlink launch, NASA's revived lunar mission, and a spotlight on space-defense activities.
STARLINK-5121 (53993)
COSPAR: 2022-125AF | Alt Name: Starlink 5121
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53993
International Designator
2022-125AF
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:05:30 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
334.23°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
93.08°
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-5121
Alternative Name
Starlink 5121
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53993U 22125AF 26201.08716108 .00000233 00000+0 32761-4 0 9993
2 53993 53.1601 334.2302 0001112 93.0780 267.0339 15.08834418209515
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5121 satellite, also known as Starlink 5121, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) for communication purposes. It was launched on October 5, 2022, from the AFWTR launch site at SLC4E using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 290 kg, while its launch mass was 305 kg. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology for communication. The satellite also uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 4-29-30
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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