Space Brief 25 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers Chinese satellite launches, military defense strategies in space, increasing launch activity at the Space Coast, and potential rivals to SpaceX's Starlink.
STARLINK-5306 (55271)
COSPAR: 2023-010C | Alt Name: Starlink 5306
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55271
International Designator
2023-010C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:26:47 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
71.44°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.91°
Period
96.11 min
Mean Motion
14.98 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-5306
Alternative Name
Starlink 5306
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55271U 23010C 26200.81027146 .00000360 00000+0 37936-4 0 9995
2 55271 69.9996 71.4418 0002969 267.9071 92.1748 14.98332797192571
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5306 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on January 19, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters when deployed. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, STARLINK-5306 utilizes krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's shape is described as box-shaped with deployable panels. It operates under the ownership of SpaceX and is part of the Starlink Group 2-4-03 payload mission.
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 2-4-03
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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