Space Brief 6 Aug 2025
Highlights of today's Space Brief include advancements in missile defense systems, a historic lunar project by NASA, and strategic military investments in satellite technology.
STARLINK-5257 (55316)
COSPAR: 2023-010AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 5257
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55316
International Designator
2023-010AZ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:08:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
31.26°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.67°
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-5257
Alternative Name
Starlink 5257
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55316U 23010AZ 26200.79728316 -.00000339 00000+0 -20588-4 0 9992
2 55316 69.9997 31.2620 0002708 266.6731 93.4118 14.98328963194433
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5257 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation, launched on January 19, 2023, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 305 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and has a box-shaped body with an attached pan configuration. Owned by SPXS (SpaceX), STARLINK-5257 is part of the Starlink Group 2-4-48 payload, designed to facilitate global communication services.
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 2-4-48
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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