Space Brief 2 Jul 2025
Explore today's major events in space, including military advancements in satellite tracking, new missile defenses, and significant defense funding decisions.
STARLINK-5863 (55922)
COSPAR: 2023-037J | Alt Name: Starlink 5863
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55922
International Designator
2023-037J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:43:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
331.39°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
265.26°
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-5863
Alternative Name
Starlink 5863
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55922U 23037J 26200.77989906 .00001092 00000+0 99296-4 0 9993
2 55922 69.9995 331.3853 0003018 265.2552 94.8262 14.98324710183278
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5863 satellite, also known as Starlink 5863, is a communication spacecraft belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on March 17, 2023, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation and storage, STARLINK-5863 uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms, and it had a launch mass of 305 kilograms. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a pan configuration. It was manufactured by SpaceX and serves as part of the Starlink Group 2-8-09 payload.
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 2-8-09
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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