STARLINK-5266 (55290)

COSPAR: 2023-010X | Alt Name: Starlink 5266

Image
STARLINK-5266 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

55290

International Designator

2023-010X

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:14:31 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

51.28°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

264.80°

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-5266

Alternative Name

Starlink 5266

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 55290U 23010X   26200.84341814 -.00000063  00000+0  25020-5 0  9993
2 55290  69.9994  51.2839 0002783 264.8019  95.2823 14.98328960193065

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-5266 satellite, also known as Starlink 5266, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on January 19, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFWTR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power supply, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The dry mass of STARLINK-5266 is 290 kilograms, while its launch mass was 305 kilograms. It was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) in the United States for communication missions.

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 2-4-22

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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