X Report 21 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites using a new Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone for the company as it expands its satellite internet constellation.
STARLINK-5218 (55636)
COSPAR: 2023-021J | Alt Name: Starlink 5218
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55636
International Designator
2023-021J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:58:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
232.05°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
263.71°
Period
96.11 min
Mean Motion
14.98 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-5218
Alternative Name
Starlink 5218
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55636U 23021J 26200.49917840 -.00000067 00000+0 22072-5 0 9996
2 55636 69.9983 232.0490 0003740 263.7131 96.3602 14.98327932188043
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5218 is a communication satellite launched on February 17, 2023, from Vandenberg Space Force Base (AFWTR) using Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle. Part of the Starlink constellation, it was manufactured by SPXS and has dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 305 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and optical inter-satellite link technology. Its power system consists of solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor.
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 2-5-09
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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