X Report 21 Jan 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, marking their return post-Starship explosion. Starship's recent test flight leaves debris washing ashore, while Blue Origin's New Glenn debut sparks discussion.
STARLINK-5991 (56331)
COSPAR: 2023-058Q | Alt Name: Starlink 5991
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56331
International Designator
2023-058Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:55:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.28°
Right Ascension
197.73°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
89.89°
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
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5991
Alternative Name
Starlink 5991
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56331U 23058Q 26200.49654477 -.00000073 00000+0 -11334-5 0 9990
2 56331 97.2823 197.7267 0002056 89.8894 270.2569 15.05655724177959
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5991 is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation, launched on April 27, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 260 kg and a launch mass of 300 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan" and it operates under the ownership of SPXS 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.
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
260
Launch Mass
300
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 3-5-15
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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