STARLINK-5989 (56781)

COSPAR: 2023-078Q | Alt Name: Starlink 5989

Image
STARLINK-5989 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 31, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56781

International Designator

2023-078Q

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:37:44 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

11.49°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

266.01°

Period

96.11 min

Mean Motion

14.98 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-5989

Alternative Name

Starlink 5989

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 56781U 23078Q   26200.77620949 -.00000630  00000+0 -45014-4 0  9999
2 56781  70.0004  11.4925 0002952 266.0053  94.0769 14.98324370172468

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-5989 satellite, also known as Starlink 5989, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 31, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it weighs 305 kg at launch with a dry mass of 290 kg. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload equipment for communication purposes, an optical inter-satellite link, and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Power is generated through solar arrays and stored in batteries. The satellite's shape is described as a box with pan configuration.

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 2-10-15

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
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

SpaceX Absorbs xAI in History's Largest Private Merger | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Absorbs xAI in History's Largest Private Merger | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX officially merged with Elon Musk's xAI under the SpaceXAI brand, while a Falcon 9 lofted 81 rideshare payloads from Vandenberg on July 7.

LeoLabs and the Business of Watching Everything

LeoLabs and the Business of Watching Everything

A startup built on Cold War-era radar science now tracks 25,000 objects in orbit - and the Pentagon can't get enough of it. But can its radars really compete with the Space Surveillance Network?

Space Brief 5 Oct 2025

Space Brief 5 Oct 2025

Today's brief covers significant advancements in national security space launches, ongoing rocket developments, and critical updates from the space industry.

X Report 2 Jan 2025

X Report 2 Jan 2025

SpaceX's 2024 launch surge sets global records, with Florida making history in the U.S. Find out how these achievements are shaping the commercial space race.

Space Brief 9 May 2025

Space Brief 9 May 2025

Today's briefing covers new satellite projects, military tech advancements, and insights into missile defense strategies. Discover partnerships in satellite design and exciting developments in space military technology.

Space Brief 25 Jun 2025

Space Brief 25 Jun 2025

Today's highlights include the launch of a U.S. military satellite via SpaceX, a new French defense agreement for satellite services, and the Missile Defense Agency's successful ICBM target tracking with long-range radar.

Space Brief 12 Dec 2025

Space Brief 12 Dec 2025

Today's space brief highlights the U.S. Space Force's new satellite naming scheme, the Air Force Secretary's warnings on China's space advances, BAE Systems' DARPA award, strategies for future space defense, the importance of GEO satellite refueling, and Blue Origin's plans for Space Force certification.

Rocket Lab Neutron Books 5 Launches, Space Brief 8 May 2026

Rocket Lab Neutron Books 5 Launches, Space Brief 8 May 2026

Rocket Lab Neutron launch schedule holds at Q4 2026 for the first flight as a five-launch contract lands; barge recovery starts on flight two.