STARLINK-5978 (56769)

COSPAR: 2023-078C | Alt Name: Starlink 5978

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 31, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56769

International Designator

2023-078C

Decay Date

9/8/2025

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5978

Alternative Name

Starlink 5978

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The Starlink-5978 satellite, also known as Starlink 5978, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink constellation. Launched on May 31, 2023, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms with a total launch mass of 305 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload systems for communication and an optical inter-satellite link, as well as krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply.

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

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 2-10-03

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Force Awards $437M for Military Satcom; New Glenn Clears Return | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force contracts Viasat and SES for $437M Protected Tactical Satcom-Global program. Blue Origin clears New Glenn for flights after Flight 3 investigation.

Space Brief 4 Nov 2024

China's Tiangong space station completes crew rotation, Rocket Lab prepares for confidential launch, and Japan successfully launches military satellite with its H3 rocket.

Project Vanguard

How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.

Starlink V2 Flies on Starship in 2027, X Report 4 Mar 2026

Gwynne Shotwell confirms Starlink V2 launches on Starship in 2027. Ship 39 preps Starship Flight 12; Falcon 9 lofts its 600th Starlink of 2026.

Space Brief 27 May 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights advances in satellite communication for defense, regulatory changes for Starlink in South Africa, SpaceX's ongoing Starlink launches, and a significant contract for a Chinese satellite constellation.

The Details of Apollo 1

How a catastrophic fire in 1967 fundamentally altered NASA's approach to human spaceflight and continues to influence modern spacecraft design

FCC Approves Reflect Orbital Sunlight Satellite | KeepTrack Space Brief

FCC clears Reflect Orbital's first satellite to bounce sunlight into nighttime zones, despite pushback from astronomers concerned about orbital streaking and wildlife impacts.

All 33 Raptor V3 Engines Ignite in Super Heavy Static Fire | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX ignited all 33 next-gen Raptor V3 engines on the Super Heavy booster at Starbase, Texas, marking a critical milestone toward the next Starship flight.