The Farming Satellite Iran Can't Launch Itself
Iran calls Kowsar 1.5 a private-sector farming satellite. Its 3.45-meter camera, its sun-synchronous orbit, and the Russian rocket that carried it point somewhere else entirely.
STARLINK-5663 (55347)
COSPAR: 2023-013S | Alt Name: Starlink 5663
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 26, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55347
International Designator
2023-013S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:45:49 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
278.03°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
268.57°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5663
Alternative Name
Starlink 5663
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55347U 23013S 26200.61515302 .00001753 00000+0 73248-4 0 9999
2 55347 43.0029 278.0251 0001759 268.5700 91.4950 15.27565086191856
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5663 satellite, also known as Starlink 5663, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on January 26, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite weighs 290 kilograms dry and had an initial mass of 305 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, it is designed for communication purposes. It utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power generation and employs krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's structure consists of a box-shaped body with additional panels. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), STARLINK-5663 operates under the ownership of the same entity and is part of the Starlink Group 5-2-17 payload.
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 5-2-17
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 28 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid Starlink launches, insights into China's Mars sample return mission, and ULA's future launch plans. Also, a new Space Force general takes the reins of the U.S. missile defense program.
X Report 27 Dec 2024
SpaceX rounds off a record-setting year with over 130 launches, achieving new milestones in Starship development and Starlink expansion.
Space Brief 26 Aug 2024
Today's briefing covers an exciting new satellite launch, a significant reentry, and unexpected space debris from a fragmentation event.
SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Debuts, X Report 23 Jun 2026
SpaceX Starfall reentry capsule debuted June 23: the 2,100 kg disk launched on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral to demo cargo return from orbit.
Space Brief 15 Apr 2025
Today's Space Brief covers Blue Origin's historic all-female spaceflight, the selection of companies for nuclear microreactor development by DIU, and NATO's adoption of AI technology for military planning.
X Report 21 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches its 32nd cargo mission to the ISS, and NRO marks a milestone with over 200 satellites deployed.
Saltzman's Final Warning: Space Force Preps for War | KeepTrack Space Brief
Gen. Chance Saltzman warns of impending space conflict as SpaceX launches 21 SDA satellites from Vandenberg. Space Force shifts from support role to core deterrent.