Space Brief 1 Jun 2025
Today's highlights cover critical satellite launches including SpaceX's GPS III mission, advancements in SATCOM technology, and changes in NASA leadership.
STARLINK-5916 (55988)
COSPAR: 2023-042C | Alt Name: Starlink 5916
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55988
International Designator
2023-042C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:05:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
38.81°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
237.50°
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-5916
Alternative Name
Starlink 5916
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55988U 23042C 26200.58747160 -.00000114 00000+0 53991-5 0 9992
2 55988 43.0056 38.8126 0001070 237.4980 122.5769 15.27572092182995
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5916 satellite, also known as Starlink 5916, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on March 24, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), this communication satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It features a Ku/Ka-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for enhanced connectivity and a krypton ion thruster system for propulsion. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries to provide power, the satellite weighs about 305 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 290 kg. The purpose of STARLINK-5916 is to support global communication services as part of SpaceX’s Starlink Group 5-5-03 payload 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 5-5-03
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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