Space Brief 26 Aug 2025
Today's space news highlights include U.S. military satellite deployments, innovative AI aboard the Chinese space station, and breakthroughs in interplanetary communications.
STARLINK-5918 (55939)
COSPAR: 2023-037AB | Alt Name: Starlink 5918
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55939
International Designator
2023-037AB
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:36:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
311.60°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.84°
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-5918
Alternative Name
Starlink 5918
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55939U 23037AB 26200.69204242 -.00000356 00000+0 -22026-4 0 9996
2 55939 70.0004 311.6009 0003447 266.8372 93.2392 14.98329809183751
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5918 satellite, also known as Starlink 5918, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 17, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg. Its dimensions are 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and it spans 9 meters when fully deployed. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for communication, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. For propulsion, it is equipped with krypton ion thrusters. Its mission and purpose are focused on providing communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-8-26 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 2-8-26
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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