STARLINK-5478 (55642)

COSPAR: 2023-021Q | Alt Name: Starlink 5478

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 17, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55642

International Designator

2023-021Q

Decay Date

6/26/2024

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5478

Alternative Name

Starlink 5478

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-5478 satellite, also known as Starlink 5478, is a communication spacecraft operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on February 17, 2023, from Vandenberg Space Force Base's SLC-4E launch pad using the Falcon 9 rocket, it measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters for its solar arrays or deployable components. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and was launched at a total mass of 305 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Power generation is achieved through solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's primary purpose is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-5-15 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.

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 2-5-15

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

NASA Declares MAVEN Dead; Eastern Range Damage Assessment Underway | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA officially ended the MAVEN Mars orbiter mission after months of radio silence following an anomaly. Space Force assessing Eastern Range damage from separate incident affecting launch cadence.

The Day America Gained New Eyes on Mars

Fifty-six years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched toward the Red Planet after being saved from disaster by two quick-thinking technicians who risked their lives to prevent a rocket collapse

DARPA Robotic GEO Servicer Targeting Summer 2026 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief

DARPA's robotic satellite servicing mission targets GEO orbit by summer 2026. NASA adds six SpaceX crew missions as Boeing Starliner remains uncertified.

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.

Space Brief 5 Jul 2025

Today's space highlights include China's first classified Shiyan-28B launch, Boeing's major satellite contract, new NASA budget allocations, and plans for shuttle Discovery's relocation.

Congress Passes FY2026 Bill Reinstating NASA Funding, Slingshot Wins $27M AI Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

Congress passes FY2026 spending bill reinstating NASA funding. Slingshot Aerospace wins $27M Space Force contract for AI satellite training. Portal Space selects Atomic-6 debris shield for 2026 mission.

Space Brief 5 Aug 2025

Today's Space Brief covers Lockheed Martin's pursuits in missile interception, key military advancements in space integration, the UK launch license for Skyrora, and much more.

25 Starlinks Lofted from Vandenberg in Latest West Coast Push | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launched 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg SFB on March 8, growing a constellation now totaling 9,924 active orbital nodes.