Space Brief 20 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.
STARLINK-5321 (55302)
COSPAR: 2023-010AK | Alt Name: Starlink 5321
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55302
International Designator
2023-010AK
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:44:27 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
51.21°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.03°
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-5321
Alternative Name
Starlink 5321
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55302U 23010AK 26200.82254615 .00000304 00000+0 33277-4 0 9996
2 55302 69.9995 51.2081 0002596 267.0321 93.0541 14.98333452193067
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5321 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on January 19, 2023, from AFWTR's SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span, with a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite's propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters, while its power supply comes from solar arrays and batteries. It is part of the Starlink Group 2-4-34 constellation and has a box plus panel shape design.
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 2-4-34
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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