Space Brief 17 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include significant data release from NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment, SpaceX's dual launches of Crew-10 and Starlink satellites, and intriguing findings from the arctic ice studies.
STARLINK-5163 (54054)
COSPAR: 2022-136D | Alt Name: Starlink 5163
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 20, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54054
International Designator
2022-136D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:31:35 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
107.34°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.63°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-5163
Alternative Name
Starlink 5163
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54054U 22136D 26200.98026935 .00000620 00000+0 31755-4 0 9996
2 54054 53.1624 107.3365 0001288 92.6322 267.4827 15.31698480206851
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite designated as STARLINK-5163, also known as Starlink 5163, was launched on October 20, 2022, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Operated by SPXS (SpaceX), this communication satellite has a box + pan shape with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, and its solar arrays and batteries provide power for the spacecraft. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. Equipped with Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, STARLINK-5163 has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and weighed 305 kilograms at launch.
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 4-36-04
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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