STARLINK-5066 (55424)

COSPAR: 2023-014AK | Alt Name: Starlink 5066

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 31, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55424

International Designator

2023-014AK

Decay Date

2/13/2023

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5066

Alternative Name

Starlink 5066

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-5066 satellite, also known as Starlink 5066, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on January 31, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC4E) at Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFWTR), using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power, the spacecraft also features krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's dry mass is recorded at 290 kilograms, while it had a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), this communication satellite serves to enhance global internet connectivity under the Starlink Group 2-6-34 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.

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 2-6-34

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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