STARLINK-5957 (55995)

COSPAR: 2023-042K | Alt Name: Starlink 5957

DECAYED

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

55995

International Designator

2023-042K

Decay Date

12/26/2025

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5957

Alternative Name

Starlink 5957

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The satellite named STARLINK-5957 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-042K) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on March 24, 2023, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR), using Falcon 9 as its launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, it has an operational span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 290 kg, and at launch, it weighed 305 kg. It features a Ku/Ka-band payload with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters to maintain its orbit. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), the satellite is part of the Starlink Group 5-5-10 constellation and serves as a component of the larger Starlink internet network mission.

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 5-5-10

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

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