Who Owns the Most Satellites Orbiting Earth?
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STARLINK-5902 (55998)
COSPAR: 2023-042N | Alt Name: Starlink 5902
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55998
International Designator
2023-042N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:04:36 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
34.53°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
257.85°
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-5902
Alternative Name
Starlink 5902
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55998U 23042N 26200.58653823 .00002069 00000+0 84729-4 0 9997
2 55998 43.0050 34.5268 0001217 257.8545 102.2170 15.27560760183043
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink satellite designated as STARLINK-5902 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-042N) was launched on March 24, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 290 kilograms and it was launched with a total mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, its primary mission is communication. It uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape resembles a box with a pan configuration. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it was launched to support the Starlink Group 5-5-13 constellation, owned by SpaceX as well.
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 5-5-13
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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