STARLINK-5948 (55991)

COSPAR: 2023-042F | Alt Name: Starlink 5948

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 24, 2023

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55991

International Designator

2023-042F

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:40:26 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.01°

Right Ascension

29.74°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

259.14°

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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5948

Alternative Name

Starlink 5948

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 55991U 23042F   26200.86141240  .00000126  00000+0  14127-4 0  9993

2 55991  43.0050  29.7426 0002242 259.1391 100.9208 15.27577636183127

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-5948 satellite, also known as Starlink 5948, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation designed for communication purposes. It was launched on March 24, 2023, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from Launch Complex 40 (LC40). The satellite has a box shape with an extended pan design and measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It carries a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries, and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 5-5-06 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.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.2

Diameter

2.8

Span

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 5-5-06

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

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