Space Brief 29 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights emerging technologies in space, a contract for U.S. Space Force missions, developments in military operations, and updates on drone advancements.
STARLINK-5351 (56511)
COSPAR: 2023-065J | Alt Name: Starlink 5351
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56511
International Designator
2023-065J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:40:55 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
187.07°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.01°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-5351
Alternative Name
Starlink 5351
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56511U 23065J 26200.65341882 .00000122 00000+0 13960-4 0 9998
2 56511 43.0011 187.0652 0001161 269.0120 91.0599 15.27575994176783
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5351 satellite, also known as Starlink 5351, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on May 14, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when fully extended. The satellite weighs 305 kilograms at launch and carries a dry mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and features an optical inter-satellite link along with krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Power is generated through solar arrays and batteries, and its primary mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 5-9-09 constellation segment.
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 5-9-09
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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