Space Brief 25 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers Chinese satellite launches, military defense strategies in space, increasing launch activity at the Space Coast, and potential rivals to SpaceX's Starlink.
STARLINK-5931 (56785)
COSPAR: 2023-078U | Alt Name: Starlink 5931
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56785
International Designator
2023-078U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:49:44 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
11.52°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.82°
Period
96.11 min
Mean Motion
14.98 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-5931
Alternative Name
Starlink 5931
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56785U 23078U 26200.78454735 .00000196 00000+0 24209-4 0 9990
2 56785 70.0004 11.5219 0002934 268.8168 91.2655 14.98331642173156
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5931 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on May 31, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and launched at a mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-10-19 constellation. The spacecraft's shape is described as "Box + pan" but lacks specific details on its color, RCS, or material composition.
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 2-10-19
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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