STARLINK-5609 (55348)

COSPAR: 2023-013T | Alt Name: Starlink 5609

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

55348

International Designator

2023-013T

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:54:08 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

278.85°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

264.71°

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-5609

Alternative Name

Starlink 5609

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 55348U 23013T   26200.49592807 -.00000311  00000+0 -17648-5 0  9995

2 55348  43.0008 278.8469 0001411 264.7114  95.3577 15.27585602191837

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-5609 satellite, also known as Starlink 5609, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on January 26, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs approximately 305 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link, it also features solar arrays and batteries for power generation along with Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."

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 5-2-18

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

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