Space Brief 18 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force prioritizing military missions, testing new GPS satellite software, and international defense collaborations impacting space assets.
STARLINK-5905 (55986)
COSPAR: 2023-042A | Alt Name: Starlink 5905
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55986
International Designator
2023-042A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:38:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
33.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.65°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-5905
Alternative Name
Starlink 5905
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55986U 23042A 26200.81866197 -.00000124 00000+0 50028-5 0 9997
2 55986 43.0032 33.6756 0001315 266.6526 93.4175 15.27575585183898
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5905 is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation, owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 24, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. Its dimensions are a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters, and it has a box plus pan shape design. The mission's primary purpose is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 5-5-01 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 5-5-01
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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