Space Brief 20 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights Globalstar's new military focus, technological innovations in the Army's tactical systems, and a deeper look at key military satellite communications developments.
STARLINK-5857 (55946)
COSPAR: 2023-037AJ | Alt Name: Starlink 5857
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55946
International Designator
2023-037AJ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:00:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
311.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.70°
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-5857
Alternative Name
Starlink 5857
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55946U 23037AJ 26200.75045338 -.00000141 00000+0 -40580-5 0 9998
2 55946 70.0001 311.4024 0003304 267.7034 92.3747 14.98330326183758
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5857 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink fleet and was launched on March 17, 2023, from AFWTR using Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite employs Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It operates as part of the Starlink Group 2-8-33 constellation and its primary purpose is communication.
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 2-8-33
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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