Space Brief 14 Dec 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers significant developments such as SpaceX’s latest Starlink launch, the US Space Force testing modular satellite technology, and key long-range missile tests by the Pentagon.
STARLINK-5376 (56142)
COSPAR: 2023-046BC | Alt Name: Starlink 5376
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 29, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56142
International Designator
2023-046BC
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 04:47:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
129.62°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
277.90°
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-5376
Alternative Name
Starlink 5376
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56142U 23046BC 26199.19996697 .00000392 00000+0 23789-4 0 9992
2 56142 43.0033 129.6240 0001354 277.9042 82.1656 15.27576291182162
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5376 satellite, also known as Starlink 5376, is part of the Starlink constellation owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 29, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, indicative of its solar arrays or deployable structures. It weighs 290 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its mission is to provide communication services, utilizing krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as box + pan, suggesting its design accommodates both structural integrity and efficient operation 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.
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 5-10-50
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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