Space Brief 8 Dec 2025
Today's edition covers SpaceX scrubbing and successfully launching Starlink satellites, AI innovations in spacecraft propulsion, and the impact of SPHERE's debris disk survey in discovering hidden asteroid belts.
STARLINK-5523 (56470)
COSPAR: 2023-064Y | Alt Name: Starlink 5523
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56470
International Designator
2023-064Y
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:40:13 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
151.35°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
269.98°
Period
96.11 min
Mean Motion
14.98 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5523
Alternative Name
Starlink 5523
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56470U 23064Y 26200.86127286 -.00000090 00000+0 21860-6 0 9999
2 56470 70.0000 151.3518 0003018 269.9821 90.0992 14.98331466175539
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5523 satellite, also known as Starlink 5523, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 10, 2023, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it belongs to the Starlink constellation aimed at providing communication services. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for data transmission and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering in orbit.
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 2-9-23
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Two-Line Element Set (TLE)
The compact data format that describes every tracked satellite orbit in just two lines of text, and how to read it
Space Brief 2 Mar 2025
Today's brief highlights the successful landing of a private moon mission by Firefly Aerospace, a new simulator for the Spanish Air and Space Force, and the anticipated launch by Europe's Ariane 6. Plus, our Satellite Spotlight features the COSMOS 2484.
Space Brief 11 Sep 2024
A recap of notable space events including the Soyuz MS-26 launch to the ISS, Polaris Dawn's altitude achievement, and satellite tracking updates.
81 Payloads Deployed to SSO; Long March 10B & Vikram-I Debut This Week | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX rideshare Falcon 9 deployed 81 payloads including military tech demos to sun-synchronous orbit. China's Long March 10B and India's Vikram-I both debut this week among 6 scheduled launches.
X Report 30 Jan 2025
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches SpainSat NG-1 satellite as Starlink compatibility causes market ripples.
X Report 15 Jul 2025
Crew-11 launch preparations ramp up, Starship propellant production begins, and a global launch roundup highlights upcoming missions.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.