STARLINK-5338 (55286)

COSPAR: 2023-010T | Alt Name: Starlink 5338

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 19, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55286

International Designator

2023-010T

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:20:32 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

51.30°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

267.57°

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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5338

Alternative Name

Starlink 5338

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 55286U 23010T   26200.84759645  .00000210  00000+0  25438-4 0  9998

2 55286  69.9995  51.3005 0003151 267.5664  92.5135 14.98327370193063

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The satellite named STARLINK-5338 (also known as Starlink 5338) is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink constellation and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 19, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is recorded as 290 kilograms, while its launch mass was 305 kilograms. It carries equipment including Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, and it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's power system consists of solar arrays and batteries, and it is designed to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-4-18 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.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.2

Diameter

2.8

Span

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 2-4-18

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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