Space Brief 30 Sep 2025
Today's briefing covers China's rapid satellite launch activities, new Pentagon contracts for rocket motors, the Dream Chaser spaceplane's upcoming flight, and more.
STARLINK-5917 (55942)
COSPAR: 2023-037AE | Alt Name: Starlink 5917
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55942
International Designator
2023-037AE
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:42:37 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
311.36°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.83°
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-5917
Alternative Name
Starlink 5917
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55942U 23037AE 26200.73793244 -.00000199 00000+0 -88825-5 0 9995
2 55942 70.0001 311.3600 0003428 267.8253 92.2514 14.98328683183769
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5917 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation and was launched on March 17, 2023, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs 305 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and solar arrays with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as box plus pan configuration, and it operates under the ownership of SPXS.
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 2-8-29
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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