X Report 28 Apr 2025
SpaceX marks a milestone with its 250th Starlink mission, continuing to expand its broadband satellite network.
STARLINK-5501 (55648)
COSPAR: 2023-021W | Alt Name: Starlink 5501
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55648
International Designator
2023-021W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:17:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
211.49°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.15°
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-5501
Alternative Name
Starlink 5501
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55648U 23021W 26200.76182274 .00000036 00000+0 10823-4 0 9999
2 55648 69.9993 211.4864 0003491 269.1481 90.9278 14.98327697188579
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5501 satellite, also known as Starlink 5501, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on February 17, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 290 kg, and it was launched with a total mass of 305 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, STARLINK-5501 uses solar arrays and batteries for power and employs krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's primary mission is communication within the Starlink Group 2-5-21 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 2-5-21
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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