STARLINK-5506 (55651)

COSPAR: 2023-021Z | Alt Name: Starlink 5506

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 17, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55651

International Designator

2023-021Z

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:29:02 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

211.52°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

267.91°

Period

96.11 min

Mean Motion

14.98 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5506

Alternative Name

Starlink 5506

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 55651U 23021Z   26200.77016463 -.00000180  00000+0 -73031-5 0  9993

2 55651  69.9992 211.5156 0003851 267.9132  92.1586 14.98333287188574

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-5506 satellite, also known as Starlink 5506, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on February 17, 2023, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its configuration includes a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. At launch, it had a mass of 305 kilograms, with a dry mass of 290 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is equipped with krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and maintaining its orbit. Its mission is to support global communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-5-24 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 2-5-24

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 22 Jun 2025

Today's briefing covers a last-minute abort of a SpaceX Starlink launch, NASA's preparation for hypersonic tests, Airbus's progress in its space business, and more exciting developments in satellite tracking and reusable spaceflight.

X Report 4 Oct 2025

SpaceX continues to push forward with significant milestones, including the launch of additional Starlink satellites and progress on spectrum acquisitions.

Starship Flight 13 Static Fire, Florida Push, X Report 4 Jul 2026

Starship update July 2026: Flight 13 completed a full six-Raptor static fire as SpaceX targets its first Cape Canaveral Starship launch by year's end.

Understanding Space Debris

From shattered satellites to exploded rocket stages, space debris poses a growing risk to satellites, space stations, and astronauts. Here's a deep dive into what causes space debris, notable generating events, and what we're doing about it.

X Report 3 Mar 2025

SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8, with a launch set for Monday as final preparations are underway.

Space Brief 18 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.

The Satellites the Size of a Studio Apartment

AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird constellation is a bet that raw aperture size wins. Each satellite unfolds a 64-square-meter phased-array antenna in orbit, the largest commercial antenna ever deployed. The company claims a stock smartphone on the ground can connect directly to it. The competition says the physics doesn't support that. Seventeen satellites in and a contract with AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone, somebody's math is wrong.

X Report 14 Nov 2025

SpaceX progresses on Starship testing while Rocket Lab delays its Neutron rocket debut, potentially impacting the competitive landscape in space launches.