STARLINK-5631 (55346)

COSPAR: 2023-013R | Alt Name: Starlink 5631

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 26, 2023

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55346

International Designator

2023-013R

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:13:29 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

278.40°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

283.59°

Period

94.27 min

Mean Motion

15.28 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-5631

Alternative Name

Starlink 5631

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 55346U 23013R   26200.55103198  .00000473  00000+0  26706-4 0  9992

2 55346  43.0034 278.4020 0001930 283.5862  76.4774 15.27579252191842

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-5631 satellite, also known as Starlink 5631, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and launched on January 26, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink constellation and belongs to the Starlink Group 5-2-16 payload category. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters, featuring a box plus panel shape design. Its dry mass is 290 kg, and it has an initial launch mass of 305 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band communication payload and optical inter-satellite links for data transmission. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and employs krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering in orbit.

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 5-2-16

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

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