STARLINK-5497 (55629)

COSPAR: 2023-021B | Alt Name: Starlink 5497

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 17, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55629

International Designator

2023-021B

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:06:07 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

230.64°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

271.29°

Period

96.11 min

Mean Motion

14.98 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5497

Alternative Name

Starlink 5497

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 55629U 23021B   26201.12925307  .00000259  00000+0  29485-4 0  9992

2 55629  69.9984 230.6364 0003651 271.2917  88.7824 14.98335146188134

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-5497 satellite, also known as Starlink 5497, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on February 17, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.2 meters and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kg and was launched with a total mass of 305 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities for communication purposes and includes an optical inter-satellite link for data transfer, powered by solar arrays and batteries. STARLINK-5497 uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system to maintain its orbit.

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

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 2-5-02

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

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.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

Vulcan Grounding Could Last Months, Space Force Weighs Alternatives | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA's Vulcan Centaur faces potential months-long stand-down. Space Force actively exploring payload reassignment and satellite operational life extensions to cover critical national security missions.

X Report 17 Aug 2025

SpaceX prepares for its 10th Starship test flight, set for August 24, as the FAA grants approval following earlier setbacks.

Space Brief 28 Oct 2025

Today's brief covers China's Gaofen-14 satellite launch, Europe's advancements in asteroid defense through GomSpace, and Russia's controversial Burevestnik missile test.

Space Brief 9 Jan 2025

Today's briefing includes new appointments in U.S. military and defense sectors, X-37B's continued mission, and international policy shifts affecting satellite technology sales.

Falcon 9 Booster B1067 Reaches 35th Flight Record | KeepTrack Space Brief

Booster B1067 sets new Falcon 9 reuse record with 35th successful flight, deploying 29 Starlink satellites. Quantum Space pursues public markets via SPAC.

X Report 8 Nov 2025

SpaceX prepares for its 560th Falcon 9 launch, aiming to deploy 29 Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center, while the Bandwagon-4 mission continues to showcase successful rocket landings.

The Day America's Revolutionary Rocket Design Made Its Final Flight

Twenty years ago, an Atlas rocket carrying a classified payload lifted off from Cape Canaveral, marking the end of a revolutionary spacecraft design that helped launch America into the Space Age

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.