Space Brief 27 Jul 2025
Busy activities in space: SpaceX's series of Starlink launches dominate the week, while Vega C successfully deploys Earth science satellites.
STARLINK-5530 (56494)
COSPAR: 2023-064AY | Alt Name: Starlink 5530
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56494
International Designator
2023-064AY
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:28:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
131.31°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.98°
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-5530
Alternative Name
Starlink 5530
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56494U 23064AY 26200.81113137 .00000417 00000+0 42751-4 0 9992
2 56494 70.0002 131.3053 0002849 270.9762 89.1071 14.98330107176018
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5530 satellite, also known as Starlink 5530, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 10, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite measures 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 was launched with a total mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology and optical inter-satellite links, it also features solar arrays and batteries for power generation and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite’s shape is described as box plus pan, and its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-9-47 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 2-9-47
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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