Space Brief 1 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers a record-breaking Starlink launch, FCC's allocation of additional spectrum for launches, and more. Plus, explore the intricacies of satellite Rassvet-2 No. 1 in our Satellite Spotlight.
STARLINK-5943 (56016)
COSPAR: 2023-042AG | Alt Name: Starlink 5943
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56016
International Designator
2023-042AG
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:11:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
17.33°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
256.00°
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-5943
Alternative Name
Starlink 5943
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56016U 23042AG 26201.17436692 .00000302 00000+0 20493-4 0 9994
2 56016 43.0025 17.3309 0001352 256.0033 104.0669 15.27576143183297
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-5943 satellite, also known as Starlink 5943 and identified by NORAD as CAT ID 56016, was launched on March 24, 2023, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 5-5-31 constellation and has a box shape with a pan design. It measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. The dry mass of the spacecraft is 290 kilograms, while its launch mass was 305 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and optical inter-satellite link capability, it utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries to provide power. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), the satellite's mission is to facilitate global internet communications as part of the larger Starlink 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.
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 5-5-31
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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