STARLINK-5940 (56012)

COSPAR: 2023-042AC | Alt Name: Starlink 5940

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

56012

International Designator

2023-042AC

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:06:17 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

18.81°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

272.45°

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

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5940

Alternative Name

Starlink 5940

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56012U 23042AC  26200.79603690  .00000481  00000+0  27014-4 0  9995

2 56012  43.0035  18.8085 0001034 272.4515  87.6219 15.27576617183243

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-5940 is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS), launched on March 24, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using Falcon 9 launch vehicle from Launch Complex 40. It has a length of 0.2 meters and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. The satellite features a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its propulsion system consists of Krypton ion thrusters, while its power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. The spacecraft is identified under the NORAD catalog ID number 56012 and is part of the Starlink Group 5-5-27 constellation 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 5-5-27

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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