$4.16B Space Force Contract Goes to SpaceX, X Report 30 May 2026
SpaceX wins a $4.16B US Space Force contract for an airborne threat tracking satellite network. Starlink holds 10,413 satellites in orbit, 10,397 working.
STARLINK-5956 (55994)
COSPAR: 2023-042J | Alt Name: Starlink 5956
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55994
International Designator
2023-042J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:14:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
33.57°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
276.46°
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-5956
Alternative Name
Starlink 5956
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55994U 23042J 26200.80197897 -.00000104 00000+0 57424-5 0 9994
2 55994 43.0048 33.5676 0001577 276.4630 83.6042 15.27565988183079
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5956 satellite, also known as Starlink 5956, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on March 24, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. It has dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters, with a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes, utilizing solar arrays and batteries for power. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters, and it serves as part of the Starlink Group 5-5-09 mission for communication services.
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 5-5-09
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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