Space Brief 30 Apr 2025
Today's briefing covers a significant hypersonic missile launch by the U.S. Army, the declassification of spy satellite photos aiding demining efforts, and the deployment of cutting-edge research payloads to the ISS.
STARLINK-5346 (56518)
COSPAR: 2023-065R | Alt Name: Starlink 5346
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56518
International Designator
2023-065R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:57:34 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
187.15°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.77°
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-5346
Alternative Name
Starlink 5346
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56518U 23065R 26200.66498243 -.00000122 00000+0 50858-5 0 9999
2 56518 43.0004 187.1525 0001057 278.7729 81.3003 15.27574173176788
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5346 satellite, also known as Starlink 5346, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on May 14, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and is equipped with optical inter-satellite links as well as krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Its dry mass is approximately 290 kilograms, with a launch mass of 305 kilograms. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and operates in support of communication missions.
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 5-9-16
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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