Space Brief 1 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's latest classified satellite launch, breakups in orbital refueling experiments, exciting advancements in microsatellites, and SpaceX's remarkable strides in spaceflight.
STARLINK-5909 (55938)
COSPAR: 2023-037AA | Alt Name: Starlink 5909
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55938
International Designator
2023-037AA
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:24:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
311.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.44°
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-5909
Alternative Name
Starlink 5909
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55938U 23037AA 26200.76714896 .00000271 00000+0 30479-4 0 9999
2 55938 69.9999 311.4614 0003237 269.4449 90.6339 14.98331695183760
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5909 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on March 17, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The spacecraft has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, along with Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. This satellite is part of the Starlink Group 2-8-25 mission aimed at enhancing global communication networks.
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 2-8-25
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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