Space Brief 8 Aug 2025
Today's brief highlights significant shifts in military space spending due to the Golden Dome program, the U.S. Space Force's advancements in tactical satellite communications, and NASA's race to nuclear power in space.
STARLINK-5521 (56471)
COSPAR: 2023-064Z | Alt Name: Starlink 5521
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56471
International Designator
2023-064Z
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:03:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
152.84°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
279.38°
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-5521
Alternative Name
Starlink 5521
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56471U 23064Z 26200.25210233 .00001000 00000+0 91624-4 0 9992
2 56471 69.9996 152.8363 0003071 279.3780 80.7032 14.98330515175448
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-5521 satellite, also known as Starlink 5521, is a communication satellite owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 10, 2023, from the AFWTR launch site using Falcon 9 at SLC4E. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. With a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg, it is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and employs Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. It was stabilized on May 10, 2026:26, after launch.
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 2-9-24
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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