X Report 22 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites on a brand-new Falcon 9 rocket, while preparations ramp up for Starship Flight 9 and a pioneering commercial docking mission approaches.
STARLINK-5686 (55450)
COSPAR: 2023-015B | Alt Name: Starlink 5686
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 2, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55450
International Designator
2023-015B
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:11:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
300.31°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
300.07°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-5686
Alternative Name
Starlink 5686
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55450U 23015B 26201.25820382 .00002122 00000+0 86577-4 0 9994
2 55450 43.0029 300.3144 0001011 300.0670 60.0081 15.27595576191933
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 55450 and OBJECT_ID 2023-015B is a Starlink satellite (BUS) launched on February 2, 2023, from the Kennedy Space Center LC39A launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft, named STARLINK-5686 or Starlink 5686, has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters, with a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes and powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's propulsion system consists of Krypton ion thrusters, and it was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 5-3-02
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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