Space Brief 20 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, a pivotal delivery to the Space Force, and significant Senate funding for NASA missions.
STARLINK-5378 (56139)
COSPAR: 2023-046AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 5378
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 29, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56139
International Designator
2023-046AZ
Decay Date
5/24/2024
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5378
Alternative Name
Starlink 5378
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-5378 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-046AZ) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on March 29, 2023, from Launch Pad LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms with an initial launch mass of 305 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and has a box shape with a pan configuration.
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 5-10-47
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
House Backs $55.5B Space Force Budget, Excludes $350B Reconciliation | KeepTrack Space Brief
House appropriators approved $55.5 billion for Space Force but omitted $350 billion reconciliation funds, threatening Golden Dome and large-scale space programs' acquisition timelines.
Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX Dragon berthed ISS with 6,500 pounds of cargo May 17. China's Zenk Space raised $26M, targeting June for Zhihang-1 rocket's orbital debut.
Orion Crew Returns After Historic Lunar Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2's four-person crew splashed down April 10 after first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17. Orion performance data critical for Artemis 3 south pole landing planning.
X Report 4 Nov 2025
Tesla's Cybertruck fleet integrates with SpaceX operations at Starbase, showcasing synergy between Musk's companies.
Space Brief 25 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include the Pentagon's report on China's military buildup, Innospace's upcoming launch plans, Starlink's rapid growth, China's significant space strides in 2025, and India's successful deployment of BlueBird 6.
Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force transitions Meadowlands mobile satellite-jamming platform to operational status. System provides ground forces with electronic warfare capability against adversary satellite links.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Grounded After Rare Launch Failure
The FAA grounds SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket after a launch mishap, potentially impacting NASA's crewed missions and disrupting SpaceX's ambitious launch schedule.