Space Brief 10 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of a mystery spysat, Maxar's terrain data for U.S. Army systems, and multiple U.S. defense firms enhancing satellite capabilities.
STARLINK-5861 (55921)
COSPAR: 2023-037H | Alt Name: Starlink 5861
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55921
International Designator
2023-037H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:37:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
331.37°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.51°
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-5861
Alternative Name
Starlink 5861
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55921U 23037H 26200.77572345 .00000078 00000+0 14346-4 0 9993
2 55921 70.0003 331.3714 0003261 266.5135 93.5651 14.98330633183276
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5861, also known as Starlink 5861, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 17, 2023, from AFWTR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. At launch, it had a mass of 305 kilograms, reducing to a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters. The mission of STARLINK-5861 is communication as part of the Starlink Group 2-8-08 constellation, with a shape described as box plus panel configuration.
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 2-8-08
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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