Space Brief 19 May 2025
Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.
STARLINK-5970 (56450)
COSPAR: 2023-064C | Alt Name: Starlink 5970
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56450
International Designator
2023-064C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:57:43 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
172.58°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.23°
Period
96.11 min
Mean Motion
14.98 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-5970
Alternative Name
Starlink 5970
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56450U 23064C 26200.33175727 -.00003440 00000+0 -28066-3 0 9997
2 56450 69.9996 172.5829 0002941 269.2268 90.8554 14.98333228174966
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5970 satellite, also known as Starlink 5970, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on May 10, 2023, from AFWTR's SLC4E pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it also features Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite's shape is described as box plus pan configuration. It was manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity under the Starlink Group 2-9-03 payload mission.
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
290
Launch Mass
305
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 2-9-03
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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