Space Brief 15 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, a successful Rocket Lab mission for JAXA, and a scheduled launch update from Kennedy Space Center.
STARLINK-5016 (56143)
COSPAR: 2023-046BD | Alt Name: Starlink 5016
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 29, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56143
International Designator
2023-046BD
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:30:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
133.02°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
172.79°
Period
94.84 min
Mean Motion
15.18 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-5016
Alternative Name
Starlink 5016
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56143U 23046BD 26200.81255191 .00015503 00000+0 75019-3 0 9994
2 56143 42.9975 133.0179 0003445 172.7912 187.2986 15.18370027182260
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5016 is a Starlink satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 29, 2023, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using Falcon 9 launch vehicle from Launch Complex 40 (LC40), it has a mission focused on communication. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when deployed. It has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and optical inter-satellite link technology, it uses Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."
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 5-10-51
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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