Space Brief 14 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's 300th Starlink launch, NASA re-establishing contact with a TRACERS satellite, and budget concerns impacting the commercial remote sensing industry.
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
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
11.52°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
268.82°
Period
96.11 min
Mean Motion
14.98 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 18 Jan 2025
SpaceX faces setbacks with Starship Flight 7 as FAA launches an investigation, while future transportation policies might impact SpaceX operations. Meanwhile, the Starlink constellation continues strong.
81 Payloads Deployed to SSO; Long March 10B & Vikram-I Debut This Week | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX rideshare Falcon 9 deployed 81 payloads including military tech demos to sun-synchronous orbit. China's Long March 10B and India's Vikram-I both debut this week among 6 scheduled launches.
The Day Space Station Crews Gained Their Window on the World
Fifteen years ago, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission that would give International Space Station astronauts their most spectacular view of Earth through the innovative Cupola observatory
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?
X Report 14 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched a batch of Starlink satellites today while introducing new features to enhance user experience. Their rideshare program continues to see increased demand, proving popular among customers.
Space Force Opens Secret Tracking Data to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force shares classified tracking data with commercial firms. Falcon 9 reentry linked to upper-atmosphere lithium plume. SpaceX launches 54 Starlink sats in one day.
X Report 25 Oct 2025
SpaceX prepares for a record-setting launch of Starlink satellites, while Iridium faces challenges against SpaceX's expanding services.