Space Brief 2 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's classified Shijian-28 satellite launch, AI-designed spacecraft records, and upcoming global launch activities.
STARLINK-5596 (55476)
COSPAR: 2023-015AD | Alt Name: Starlink 5596
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 2, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55476
International Designator
2023-015AD
Decay Date
9/27/2023
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5596
Alternative Name
Starlink 5596
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STARLINK-5596 is a communication satellite launched on February 2, 2023, from LC39A at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It is part of the Starlink Group 5-3-28 constellation and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The spacecraft's shape consists of a box with an additional pan component. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it operates in low Earth orbit to facilitate communication services.
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 5-3-28
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
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