Space Brief 21 Jun 2025
Today's brief highlights a Pentagon satellite network challenge, the expanding use of AI in military strategy, and advancements in commercial launch vehicle production.
STARLINK-5730 (55611)
COSPAR: 2023-020AU | Alt Name: Starlink 5730
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 12, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55611
International Designator
2023-020AU
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:40:29 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
329.08°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
258.68°
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-5730
Alternative Name
Starlink 5730
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55611U 23020AU 26200.69478125 .00006614 00000+0 24955-3 0 9991
2 55611 43.0041 329.0781 0001001 258.6836 101.3904 15.27596247189220
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5730 is a communication satellite under the Starlink project, identified by NORAD catalog ID 55611 and OBJECT_ID 2023-020AU. Launched on February 12, 2023 from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. With a dry mass of 290 kilograms, its equipment includes Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. The launch mass was 305 kg. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. Starlink-5730 uses krypton ion thrusters as motors and has a box with pan shape. Manufactured by SpaceX, the satellite's purpose is to enhance global communication services as part of the Starlink constellation.
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 5-4-43
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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