X Report 23 May 2025
The FAA has approved Starship Flight 9, paving the way for an upcoming test launch, while SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft is set to undock from the ISS after weather delays.
STARLINK-5551 (56359)
COSPAR: 2023-058AU | Alt Name: Starlink 5551
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56359
International Designator
2023-058AU
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:31:18 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.28°
Right Ascension
197.66°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
94.44°
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-5551
Alternative Name
Starlink 5551
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56359U 23058AU 26200.43841272 -.00000156 00000+0 -69085-5 0 9993
2 56359 97.2838 197.6597 0002294 94.4382 265.7108 15.05651971177945
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5551 satellite, also known as Starlink 5551, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on April 27, 2023, from the AFWTR SLC4E pad using a 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. Its dry mass is 260 kilograms, and it weighs 300 kilograms at launch. STARLINK-5551 is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 3-5-43
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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