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STARLINK-5638 (55426)
COSPAR: 2023-014AM | Alt Name: Starlink 5638
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55426
International Designator
2023-014AM
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:09:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
111.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.55°
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-5638
Alternative Name
Starlink 5638
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55426U 23014AM 26200.83994808 .00000539 00000+0 52991-4 0 9997
2 55426 70.0001 111.3959 0002564 268.5481 91.5384 14.98331006191356
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5638 satellite, also known as Starlink 5638, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on January 31, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a bus configuration with dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 290 kg and its launch mass is 305 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link equipment, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), the satellite's primary mission is communication and operates under the ownership of SpaceX as part of the Starlink Group 2-6-36 payload group.
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 2-6-36
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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