Space Brief 7 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include a record-breaking event at the International Space Station, significant funding for hypersonic missile production, and several key military developments impacting space strategy.
STARLINK-5526 (56496)
COSPAR: 2023-064BA | Alt Name: Starlink 5526
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56496
International Designator
2023-064BA
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:20:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
132.61°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
262.83°
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-5526
Alternative Name
Starlink 5526
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56496U 23064BA 26200.26435698 -.00000479 00000+0 -32362-4 0 9999
2 56496 70.0006 132.6082 0003995 262.8346 97.2359 14.98328328175943
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5526 satellite, also known as Starlink 5526, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on May 10, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 290 kilograms dry with a total launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as propulsion. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-9-49 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 2-9-49
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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