Space Brief 7 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include significant legal disputes in military satellite contracts, strategic investments in the defense space sector, and updates on major military budget developments impacting space capabilities.
STARLINK-5888 (56348)
COSPAR: 2023-058AH | Alt Name: Starlink 5888
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56348
International Designator
2023-058AH
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:43:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.28°
Right Ascension
198.41°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.67°
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-5888
Alternative Name
Starlink 5888
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56348U 23058AH 26201.23865933 -.00000230 00000+0 -12043-4 0 9994
2 56348 97.2842 198.4059 0002023 92.6704 267.4755 15.05653238178067
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5888 satellite, also known as Starlink 5888, was launched on April 27, 2023, from AFWTR (SLC4E) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle by SpaceX (SPXS). It is part of the Starlink constellation and has a bus configuration. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, indicating solar arrays are deployed from its main body. Its dry mass is 260 kg, while it had an initial launch mass of 300 kg. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and has an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The spacecraft utilizes krypton ion thrusters as propulsion systems and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Its primary mission is to provide communication services, fitting within SpaceX’s broader goal of global internet coverage through the Starlink constellation.
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 3-5-32
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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