Space Brief 20 Mar 2025
Today's brief highlights critical discussions in military space readiness, potential satellite 'dogfighting' scenarios, international defense collaborations, and a notable communications satellite launch.
STARLINK-5265 (55317)
COSPAR: 2023-010BA | Alt Name: Starlink 5265
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55317
International Designator
2023-010BA
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:38:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
31.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.58°
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-5265
Alternative Name
Starlink 5265
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55317U 23010BA 26200.81815044 .00000154 00000+0 20705-4 0 9995
2 55317 69.9998 31.3476 0002716 269.5829 90.5019 14.98330201194430
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5265 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation, identified by NORAD catalog ID 55317 and object ID 2023-010BA. Launched on January 19, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs 305 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 290 kilograms and is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while it uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape can be described as a box with a pan configuration.
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 2-4-49
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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