STARLINK-5301 (55270)

COSPAR: 2023-010B | Alt Name: Starlink 5301
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-5301 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 19, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55270

International Designator

2023-010B

Decay Date

2/25/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5301

Alternative Name

Starlink 5301

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The STARLINK-5301 satellite, also known as Starlink 5301 and part of the Starlink Group 2-4-02 payload, was launched on January 19, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite is designed for communication purposes and carries Ku/Ka-band payload equipment and optical inter-satellite links. It utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus pan shape. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it operates under the ownership of SpaceX as part of its Starlink constellation aimed at providing global internet coverage.

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 2-4-02

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 2 Sep 2024

Space Brief 2 Sep 2024

Key topics: SpaceX resumes Falcon 9 launches, mysterious Starliner sounds, and upcoming space policy events. Detailed tracking info for EGYPTSAT A.

Today in Space History 2025

Today in Space History 2025

From Apollo's darkest days to humanity's first transmission from Venus, we spent 2025 remembering the missions that made modern spaceflight possible. Here's what we covered - and why we're committed to keeping this series going.

SpaceX Stacks Super Heavy for Starship's 12th Test Flight | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Stacks Super Heavy for Starship's 12th Test Flight | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX stacks Super Heavy booster in preparation for Starship's 12th test flight. Three launches planned this week including ISRO rideshare mission. Musk shares AI and robotics predictions on podcast.

Mike Melvill, 124 Meters, and the Morning Space Went Private

Mike Melvill, 124 Meters, and the Morning Space Went Private

On 21 June 2004, a 63-year-old test pilot rode a homebuilt rocket plane to 100,124 meters above the Mojave Desert, clearing the edge of space by about the length of a city block. He came down the first private astronaut in history, holding a sign that read 'SpaceShipOne, GovernmentZero.'

The $1.5 Million Starlink Jammer That Ukraine Keeps Blowing Up

The $1.5 Million Starlink Jammer That Ukraine Keeps Blowing Up

Russia's Volna Kupol Garant electronic warfare system was purpose-built to jam Starlink. It costs around $1.5 million per unit, covers just 20 square kilometers, and can only target one satellite at a time. Ukraine has been finding and destroying them within days of deployment.

Space Brief 19 Nov 2025

Space Brief 19 Nov 2025

Today's Space Brief covers the latest developments in space debris detection, Ursa Major's defense push, and SpaceX's Starlink launch. Additionally, insights into microreactors for military bases, US Cyber Command updates, and gravitational wave discoveries are highlighted.

Space Brief 29 May 2025

Space Brief 29 May 2025

Today's brief covers a Japanese military satellite launch, new GPS satellite orders by the Space Force, and a Moog propulsion system contract, among other notable developments.

Space Brief 9 Jul 2025

Space Brief 9 Jul 2025

Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's new international strategy, Northrop Grumman's Golden Dome project, and ULA's Vulcan launches, alongside military budget priorities.