Space Brief 20 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.
STARLINK-5640 (55436)
COSPAR: 2023-014AX | Alt Name: Starlink 5640
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55436
International Designator
2023-014AX
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:56:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
132.80°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
272.63°
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-5640
Alternative Name
Starlink 5640
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55436U 23014AX 26200.24767911 -.00000564 00000+0 -39475-4 0 9998
2 55436 70.0000 132.7973 0002967 272.6290 87.4529 14.98332559190774
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5640 satellite, also known as Starlink 5640, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on January 31, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when its components are fully deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and weighed 305 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it also features Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries to provide power. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration. It is owned and operated by SpaceX for communication missions.
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 2-6-46
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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