The Farming Satellite Iran Can't Launch Itself
Iran calls Kowsar 1.5 a private-sector farming satellite. Its 3.45-meter camera, its sun-synchronous orbit, and the Russian rocket that carried it point somewhere else entirely.
STARLINK-5689 (55474)
COSPAR: 2023-015AB | Alt Name: Starlink 5689
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 2, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55474
International Designator
2023-015AB
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:23:45 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
311.11°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
268.46°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5689
Alternative Name
Starlink 5689
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55474U 23015AB 26201.30816551 .00000098 00000+0 13105-4 0 9996
2 55474 43.0047 311.1076 0002055 268.4595 91.6021 15.27576142190879
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5689 is a Starlink satellite, designated 2023-015AB, launched on February 2, 2023, from LC39A at the AFETR launch site using a Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms and it was launched with a total mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite also features Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and solar arrays along with batteries to provide power. The purpose of STARLINK-5689 is communication as part of the Starlink Group 5-3-26 constellation managed by SPXS (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.
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 5-3-26
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Hits 10,000 Starlink Satellites in Orbit | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX surpassed 10,000 simultaneous Starlink satellites in orbit after Starlink 17-24 deployed 25 satellites from California. Milestone reached in under 7 years.
NASA Announces First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation via SpaceX Crew Dragon | KeepTrack X Report
NASA plans first-ever medical evacuation from ISS using SpaceX Crew Dragon for Crew-11 astronaut. Starlink 6-96 mission scrubbed and rescheduled. Starbase Pad 1 tower and launch mount under review.
Space Force Activates Cyber Squadrons at Launch Sites | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force stands up 2 cyber defense squadrons at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg to protect launch operations against adversary interference targeting pad networks and telemetry systems.
SpaceX Files Plans for Million-Satellite Orbital Data Center | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX files FCC plans for a million-satellite orbital data center constellation. Crew-12 launch timing depends on Artemis 2 mission. Cold weather delays launch window.
Space Brief 9 Nov 2024
Today's briefing covers significant developments in international rocket designs, recent astronaut health updates, and advancements in supersonic flight technology.
X Report 3 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to expand its reach with the successful launch of more Starlink satellites while exploring innovative military applications for satellite communications.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Explodes During Ground Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during ground testing May 28, visible from hundreds of miles across Florida. Fireball halts vehicle pending failure investigation.