Space Brief 31 May 2025
Today's brief covers a significant GPS satellite launch by SpaceX, China's classified satellite mission, and Rocket Lab's strategic steps in the defense sector.
Launch Date
October 20, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
NORAD ID
54081
International Designator
2022-136AG
Decay Date
10/14/2025
Name
STARLINK-5165
Alternative Name
Starlink 5165
Type
Status
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
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
Payload
Starlink Group 4-36-31
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
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