STARLINK-5298 (55281)

COSPAR: 2023-010N | Alt Name: Starlink 5298

Image
STARLINK-5298 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

55281

International Designator

2023-010N

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:56:44 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

71.37°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

269.86°

Period

96.11 min

Mean Motion

14.98 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5298

Alternative Name

Starlink 5298

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 55281U 23010N   26200.78940271  .00000449  00000+0  45427-4 0  9997
2 55281  69.9996  71.3677 0002748 269.8585  90.2259 14.98330431192562

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-5298 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on January 19, 2023, from AFWTR using Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The dry mass of the satellite is 290 kilograms, while its launch mass was 305 kilograms. STARLINK-5298 is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation and uses krypton ion thrusters as motors. Its design includes a box shape with a pan configuration. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 2-4-13 payload and serves communication purposes, operated by SpaceX in the United States.

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 2-4-13

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
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
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.

X Report 16 Jan 2025

X Report 16 Jan 2025

SpaceX launches dual lunar landers while Starship Flight 7 faces weather delay.

Space Brief 1 Dec 2025

Space Brief 1 Dec 2025

Today's brief covers China's latest classified satellite launch, breakups in orbital refueling experiments, exciting advancements in microsatellites, and SpaceX's remarkable strides in spaceflight.

NROL-179 Starshield Satellites Launch from Vandenberg | KeepTrack X Report

NROL-179 Starshield Satellites Launch from Vandenberg | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launched NROL-179 from Vandenberg at 1:50 a.m. PDT June 19, carrying Starshield spy satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Space Brief 17 Dec 2023

Space Brief 17 Dec 2023

Rocket Lab's successful Electron return to flight, China's third Shenlong mission, lessons from Virgin Orbit's failure in the UK, Hubble's 30-year post-repair anniversary, and a summary of recent global launches.

X Report 7 Feb 2025

X Report 7 Feb 2025

DIU explores SpaceX Starship's in-space refueling; Investors advise startups against competing or emulating SpaceX.

X Report 27 Nov 2025

X Report 27 Nov 2025

SpaceX's plans for the Transporter-15 mission are temporarily delayed as the Falcon 9 launch was scrubbed. The next launch attempt is now targeted for Friday, Nov. 28, with hopes of delivering 140 payloads into sun-synchronous orbit.

X Report 8 Dec 2024

X Report 8 Dec 2024

SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites, enhancing Direct to Cell capabilities from Florida's Space Coast.

Space Brief 8 Jan 2025

Space Brief 8 Jan 2025

Today's highlights include China's launch of Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, Pentagon's investment in defense technologies, and key military upgrades.