Space Brief 21 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, fascinating exoplanet discoveries, and strategic lunar developments by China and South Korea.
STARLINK-5455 (55668)
COSPAR: 2023-021AS | Alt Name: Starlink 5455
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55668
International Designator
2023-021AS
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:52:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
192.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.01°
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-5455
Alternative Name
Starlink 5455
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55668U 23021AS 26200.41111906 .00000116 00000+0 17503-4 0 9998
2 55668 69.9992 192.3965 0003867 266.0054 94.0663 14.98325323189004
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5455 is a Starlink satellite launched on February 17, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (SLC4E) 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. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its primary mission and purpose are communication tasks as part of the Starlink Group 2-5-41 constellation. The shape of the spacecraft is described as a box with a pan configuration. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and owned by the same entity.
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 2-5-41
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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