STARLINK-5550 (56361)

COSPAR: 2023-058AW | Alt Name: Starlink 5550

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 27, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56361

International Designator

2023-058AW

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:52:46 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

97.28°

Right Ascension

198.28°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

92.40°

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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5550

Alternative Name

Starlink 5550

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56361U 23058AW  26200.99498644 -.00000061  00000+0 -33561-6 0  9994

2 56361  97.2840 198.2779 0001954  92.4043 267.7409 15.05655710178036

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-5550 satellite, also known as Starlink 5550, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on April 27, 2023, from AFWTR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station) at SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, indicating large solar arrays or antennas. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes along with an optical inter-satellite link. Its dry mass is 260 kg, with a launch mass of 300 kg. The satellite utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries.

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 3-5-45

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

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