Space Brief 1 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's latest classified satellite launch, breakups in orbital refueling experiments, exciting advancements in microsatellites, and SpaceX's remarkable strides in spaceflight.
STARLINK-5953 (56799)
COSPAR: 2023-078AJ | Alt Name: Starlink 5953
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56799
International Designator
2023-078AJ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:01:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
11.29°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.31°
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-5953
Alternative Name
Starlink 5953
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56799U 23078AJ 26200.83461117 -.00000297 00000+0 -17066-4 0 9990
2 56799 70.0005 11.2900 0002966 270.3071 89.7749 14.98327354172477
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5953 satellite, also known as Starlink 5953, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 31, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a bus configuration and belongs to the Starlink constellation. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, equipped with solar arrays for power generation along with batteries. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission, utilizing krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite weighs 305 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 290 kilograms.
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 2-10-33
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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