Space Brief 8 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of the Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, major Pentagon contracts for solid rocket motors and hypersonic testing, and the US Space Force's record-setting year of launches.
STARLINK-5473 (55663)
COSPAR: 2023-021AM | Alt Name: Starlink 5473
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55663
International Designator
2023-021AM
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:33:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
192.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.32°
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-5473
Alternative Name
Starlink 5473
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55663U 23021AM 26200.39857836 .00000322 00000+0 34819-4 0 9997
2 55663 69.9994 192.3518 0003891 270.3218 89.7495 14.98338834189007
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5473, also known as Starlink 5473, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX) and launched on February 17, 2023, from AFWTR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station), SLC4E launch pad. The Falcon 9 was the launch vehicle used for this mission. It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it serves as part of the Starlink Group 2-5-36 constellation for communication purposes. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and was manufactured in the US.
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 2-5-36
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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