STARLINK-5261 (55276)

COSPAR: 2023-010H | Alt Name: Starlink 5261

Image
STARLINK-5261 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

55276

International Designator

2023-010H

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:56:25 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

51.50°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

266.81°

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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5261

Alternative Name

Starlink 5261

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 55276U 23010H   26200.78918469 -.00000036  00000+0  47629-5 0  9995
2 55276  69.9995  51.4980 0002785 266.8092  93.2748 14.98325996193053

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-5261 satellite, also known as Starlink 5261, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 19, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters. With a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg, it is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes along with an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and employs Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. It was deployed as part of the Starlink Group 2-4-08 constellation to enhance global communication capabilities.

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 2-4-08

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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