STARLINK-5851 (55947)

COSPAR: 2023-037AK | Alt Name: Starlink 5851

Image
STARLINK-5851 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 17, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55947

International Designator

2023-037AK

Epoch

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:44:04 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

69.97°

Right Ascension

115.26°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

248.13°

Period

87.42 min

Mean Motion

16.47 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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5851

Alternative Name

Starlink 5851

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 55947U 23037AK  26126.48894191  .12171381  44331-5  19290-3 0  9994
2 55947  69.9746 115.2620 0014500 248.1310 111.8383 16.47224649173213

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-5851 is a communication satellite part of the Starlink Group 2-8-34 constellation, owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 17, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and is propelled by krypton ion thrusters. The satellite has a launch mass of 305 kilograms and a dry mass of 290 kilograms.

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 2-8-34

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

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