Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
STARLINK-5072 (55758)
COSPAR: 2023-028T | Alt Name: Starlink 5072
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55758
International Designator
2023-028T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:29:26 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
272.06°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
269.75°
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
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5072
Alternative Name
Starlink 5072
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55758U 23028T 26200.47878096 -.00000409 00000+0 -26481-4 0 9993
2 55758 69.9992 272.0588 0003361 269.7459 90.3315 14.98331998185788
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-5072, also known as Starlink 5072, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on March 3, 2023, from the AFWTR launch site 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 dry mass is 290 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries for power generation. The mission objective is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-7-18 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 2-7-18
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 30 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues to push boundaries with the successful launch of 28 Starlink satellites and significant testing preparations for upcoming Crew-11 and Starship missions.
The Afternoon a Blurry Smudge Turned Pluto Into a Double Planet
On 22 June 1978, an astronomer at the U.S. Naval Observatory looked at photographic plates that had been stamped 'image defective' and noticed a small bump on the side of Pluto. The bump was a moon, and finding it finally let astronomers weigh a planet that had fooled them for half a century.
X Report 13 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched an Israeli satellite and remains on track for its upcoming Crew-11 mission while continuing to engage in mystery satellite launches.
Space Brief 12 Jul 2025
Today's focus spans from major military training initiatives in orbit to key updates on drone policies and crucial satellite launches.
X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
X Report 9 Apr 2025
SpaceX makes strides with new GPS and Starlink launches while securing major U.S. government contracts.
SpaceX Deploys 21 Military Data-Relay Satellites for SDA, Space Brief 17 Jul 2026
SpaceX launched 21 York Space Systems satellites for Space Development Agency's Tranche 1 Transport Layer, bringing SDA's military data-relay constellation to roughly half its planned size.