Space Brief 20 Mar 2025
Today's brief highlights critical discussions in military space readiness, potential satellite 'dogfighting' scenarios, international defense collaborations, and a notable communications satellite launch.
STARLINK-5842 (56491)
COSPAR: 2023-064AV | Alt Name: Starlink 5842
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56491
International Designator
2023-064AV
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:33:47 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
131.32°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.20°
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-5842
Alternative Name
Starlink 5842
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56491U 23064AV 26200.81513566 .00000058 00000+0 12620-4 0 9992
2 56491 70.0001 131.3193 0002879 269.2022 90.8807 14.98328658176027
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5842 satellite, also known as Starlink 5842, is part of the Starlink constellation owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 10, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms, while its launch mass was 305 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and features optical inter-satellite links along with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and has a box + pan shape design. Its mission involves providing communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-9-44 constellation.
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 2-9-44
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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