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.
STARLINK-5398 (54866)
COSPAR: 2022-177AY | Alt Name: Starlink 5398
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 28, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54866
International Designator
2022-177AY
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:13:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
95.32°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
255.23°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-5398
Alternative Name
Starlink 5398
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54866U 22177AY 26200.75958403 -.00000512 00000+0 -90713-5 0 9993
2 54866 43.0008 95.3166 0001084 255.2307 104.8424 15.27574853197291
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-5398, also known as Starlink 5398 and part of the Starlink Group 5-1-47, is a communication satellite launched on December 28, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it utilizes krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity, this satellite was designed for communication missions 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.
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 5-1-47
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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