STARLINK-5981 (56325)

COSPAR: 2023-058J | Alt Name: Starlink 5981

Image

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Launch Details

Launch Date

April 27, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56325

International Designator

2023-058J

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:35:06 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

97.28°

Right Ascension

197.74°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

85.17°

Period

95.64 min

Mean Motion

15.06 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-5981

Alternative Name

Starlink 5981

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56325U 23058J   26200.48271981  .00000550  00000+0  42029-4 0  9999

2 56325  97.2829 197.7443 0001604  85.1666 274.9745 15.05654591177956

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-5981 is a Starlink satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX), launched on April 27, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its dry mass is 260 kilograms, while its launch mass was 300 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and has a box plus pan shape. It operates in support of the Starlink Group 3-5-09 mission for communication purposes.

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

260

Launch Mass

300

Shape

Box + pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Starlink Group 3-5-09

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

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