Space Brief 27 Oct 2024
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.
STARLINK-5502 (55644)
COSPAR: 2023-021S | Alt Name: Starlink 5502
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55644
International Designator
2023-021S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:23:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
211.50°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.78°
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-5502
Alternative Name
Starlink 5502
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55644U 23021S 26200.76600676 .00000269 00000+0 30353-4 0 9994
2 55644 69.9993 211.5013 0003505 266.7841 93.2917 14.98331628188576
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5502 satellite, also known as Starlink 5502, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and launched on February 17, 2023, from AFWTR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle at SLC4E. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It weighs 305 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as box-shaped with a pan configuration and falls under the Starlink Group 2-5-17 mission.
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 2-5-17
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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