Space Brief 19 Mar 2025
Today's brief explores a simulated 'dogfight' in space by Chinese satellites, insights into a cloud platform by Oracle and Singapore's defense agency, and more space-related developments.
STARLINK-5342 (56516)
COSPAR: 2023-065P | Alt Name: Starlink 5342
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56516
International Designator
2023-065P
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:20:35 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
188.53°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.23°
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-5342
Alternative Name
Starlink 5342
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56516U 23065P 26200.38930330 .00000070 00000+0 12080-4 0 9999
2 56516 43.0014 188.5291 0001248 270.2325 89.8383 15.27573740176742
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-5342 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-065P) is a Starlink communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 14, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters when fully deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication along with an optical inter-satellite link and is equipped with krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite has a launch mass of 305 kilograms and a dry mass of 290 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries.
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 5-9-14
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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