Space Brief 12 May 2025
Today's brief covers key industry movements in space logistics and satellite production, including Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's strides in GPS technology, and more.
STARLINK-5469 (55649)
COSPAR: 2023-021X | Alt Name: Starlink 5469
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55649
International Designator
2023-021X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:46:58 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
211.41°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
273.18°
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-5469
Alternative Name
Starlink 5469
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55649U 23021X 26200.74095816 .00000448 00000+0 45318-4 0 9997
2 55649 69.9990 211.4127 0003398 273.1819 86.8951 14.98318767188575
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-5469 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-021X) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and launched on February 17, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span. The satellite weighs 305 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Its payload includes Ku/Ka-band equipment for communication purposes and it is equipped with optical inter-satellite links. For propulsion, it uses Krypton ion thrusters, and its power system consists of solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as box + pan.
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 2-5-22
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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