Project Vanguard
How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.
STARLINK-5263 (54193)
COSPAR: 2022-141AN | Alt Name: Starlink 5263
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54193
International Designator
2022-141AN
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
118.75°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
79.71°
Period
95.27 min
Mean Motion
15.12 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5263
Alternative Name
Starlink 5263
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54193U 22141AN 26201.25004630 .00073384 00000+0 42529-2 0 9991
2 54193 53.1590 118.7531 0001154 79.7095 142.3185 15.11543357 5746
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5263 is a Starlink satellite launched on October 28, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its primary mission is communication, operated by SPXS and part of the Starlink Group 4-31-37 constellation.
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 4-31-37
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.
Space Brief 8 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers key developments in satellite launches, missile defense strategies, advanced IoT satellite connectivity, and the projected growth of the satellite market driven by defense needs.
Space Brief 29 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers developments in space traffic management, the X-37B spaceplane's upcoming mission, and satellite interference with radio telescopes.
Space Brief 29 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief discusses significant military satellite launches, groundbreaking agreements for lunar nuclear power, and Italy's satellite strategy dilemma. Additionally, we cover the Dream Chaser's upcoming demonstration flight and new Pentagon contracts for rocket motor production.
The Morning a Supply Ship Tore Open Mir
On 25 June 1997, a seven-ton cargo ship under hand control drifted into Mir's Spektr module, breached the hull, and left three crew members listening to their air hiss into space. It remains the worst collision in the history of human spaceflight.
Falcon 9 Completes GPS III Constellation for Space Force | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 delivered GPS III SV-10 at 0653 UTC, capping Lockheed Martin's 10-satellite series as SpaceX eyes a $60B AI coding acquisition pre-IPO.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin lost New Glenn during static fire testing at Launch Complex 36. Vehicle sustained serious damage in anomaly. NASA Artemis timeline impacts possible.