STARLINK-5949 (56019)

COSPAR: 2023-042AK | Alt Name: Starlink 5949

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

56019

International Designator

2023-042AK

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:23:00 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.01°

Right Ascension

18.66°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

275.23°

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-5949

Alternative Name

Starlink 5949

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56019U 23042AK  26200.89097352  .00000967  00000+0  44669-4 0  9999

2 56019  43.0054  18.6561 0001331 275.2294  84.8406 15.27575850183259

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-5949 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation, launched on March 24, 2023 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It carries equipment including Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. With a dry mass of 290 kilograms and launch mass of 305 kilograms, the satellite is equipped with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is owned and operated by SpaceX. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 5-5-34 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.

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 5-5-34

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

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