STARLINK-5068 (55423)

COSPAR: 2023-014AJ | Alt Name: Starlink 5068

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 31, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55423

International Designator

2023-014AJ

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:57:30 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

111.36°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

269.79°

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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5068

Alternative Name

Starlink 5068

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 55423U 23014AJ  26200.83160000  .00000223  00000+0  26478-4 0  9994

2 55423  69.9999 111.3650 0002631 269.7925  90.2932 14.98328704191351

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-5068 satellite, also known as Starlink 5068, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on January 31, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it is part of the Starlink communication constellation. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters when deployed. It weighs approximately 305 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power. The propulsion system consists of Krypton ion thrusters to maintain orbit and orientation.

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 2-6-33

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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