Space Brief 3 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's continued Starlink expansions, Japan's successful Michibiki satellite launch, and challenges faced by India's navigation satellite. Stay updated on crucial satellite events and launches.
STARLINK-5624 (55416)
COSPAR: 2023-014AB | Alt Name: Starlink 5624
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55416
International Designator
2023-014AB
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:27:26 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
111.29°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
264.99°
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-5624
Alternative Name
Starlink 5624
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55416U 23014AB 26200.81072840 .00000148 00000+0 20180-4 0 9998
2 55416 70.0004 111.2937 0003034 264.9944 95.0868 14.98329067191350
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5624 satellite, also known as Starlink 5624, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation launched on January 31, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 290 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 305 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and uses solar arrays and batteries for power. For propulsion, it utilizes Krypton ion thrusters. The primary mission of this satellite is communication purposes within the Starlink Group 2-6-26 constellation.
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 2-6-26
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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