STARLINK-5656 (55451)

COSPAR: 2023-015C | Alt Name: Starlink 5656

Image
STARLINK-5656 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 2, 2023

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55451

International Designator

2023-015C

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:15:31 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

303.69°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

284.00°

Period

94.27 min

Mean Motion

15.28 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5656

Alternative Name

Starlink 5656

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 55451U 23015C   26200.67744477 -.00000321  00000+0 -21295-5 0  9998
2 55451  43.0039 303.6946 0002046 283.9971  76.0653 15.27577604190903

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-5656 satellite, also known as Starlink 5656, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on February 2, 2023, from Launch Pad LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, featuring a box plus pan shape. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it also uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and solar arrays with batteries to provide power. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 5-3-03 payload and owned by SpaceX.

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 5-3-03

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
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 1 Apr 2025

X Report 1 Apr 2025

SpaceX launches its first crewed mission over Earth's poles and FAA concludes investigation into the Starship Flight 7 incident.

Space Brief 1 Jun 2025

Space Brief 1 Jun 2025

Today's highlights cover critical satellite launches including SpaceX's GPS III mission, advancements in SATCOM technology, and changes in NASA leadership.

X Report 6 Apr 2025

X Report 6 Apr 2025

SpaceX's Fram2 mission lands in the Pacific, SpaceX secures U.S. military contracts, and Starlink expands with latest satellite launch.

Space Brief 23 Feb 2025

Space Brief 23 Feb 2025

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.

Space Brief 24 Sep 2025

Space Brief 24 Sep 2025

Key highlights on China's reusable rocket developments, U.S. military's Tranche 1 satellite launch, Space Force's weapons acquisition strategies, and more.

Space Brief 23 Jun 2025

Space Brief 23 Jun 2025

Significant advancements and launches in space: NASA's hypersonic sensor breakthrough, ChinaSat-9C's launch, and SpaceX's resilient Falcon 9 operations.

NASA Postpones Spacewalk Over Medical Concern, Sierra Space Delivers SDA Satellites Early | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA Postpones Spacewalk Over Medical Concern, Sierra Space Delivers SDA Satellites Early | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA delays first 2026 spacewalk due to ISS crew medical issue. Sierra Space completes SDA Tranche 2 satellite structures ahead of schedule. Space Force advances Handle 2.0 standardization.

X Report 16 Aug 2025

X Report 16 Aug 2025

SpaceX receives FAA approval for its 10th Starship test flight scheduled for August 24, while also making strides in construction at the Cape and contesting broadband funding in Virginia.