Space Brief 2 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers key topics such as SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, the European Space Agency's new initiatives, and Space Force's integration of AI into its operations.
STARLINK-5928 (55958)
COSPAR: 2023-037AW | Alt Name: Starlink 5928
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55958
International Designator
2023-037AW
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:18:11 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
291.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.75°
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-5928
Alternative Name
Starlink 5928
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55958U 23037AW 26200.67930242 -.00000320 00000+0 -19016-4 0 9997
2 55958 69.9997 291.6779 0003718 266.7474 93.3260 14.98323490184244
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5928 satellite, also known as Starlink 5928, was launched on March 17, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink constellation and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters due to its solar arrays and antennas. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms, and it had a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries to provide power. The mission objective 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 2-8-45
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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