The Space Station Space Race
As the International Space Station nears retirement, private companies are stepping up to fill the void with their own space stations. Discover the key players and the potential impact on space exploration.
STARLINK-5961 (56914)
COSPAR: 2023-083AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 5961
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 12, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56914
International Designator
2023-083AQ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:55:14 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
45.44°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
265.94°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5961
Alternative Name
Starlink 5961
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56914U 23083AQ 26200.58002976 .00000424 00000+0 24926-4 0 9994
2 56914 43.0027 45.4392 0001606 265.9421 94.1248 15.27576642171970
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5961 is a communication satellite under the Starlink program, operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on June 12, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor. Its shape is described as "Box + pan," and it falls under the Starlink Group 5-11-39 payload category.
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 5-11-39
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.
Space Brief 11 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's NROL-153 launch, US Space Force activities in Greenland, Starlink's record-breaking flight, and a OneWeb satellite glitch. Plus, our Satellite Spotlight shines on Duchifat-1.
X Report 24 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 28 Starlink satellites on a new Falcon 9 rocket from California, marking a significant milestone for their satellite constellation.
Space Brief 29 Jun 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's new contract with the U.S. Space Force, multiple Starlink launches, Rocket Lab's rapid launch success, and the final mission of Japan's H-IIA rocket.
X Report 12 May 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 100th Falcon 9 launch from Kennedy Space Center while facing a scrubbed attempt of the latest Starlink deployment.
X Report 29 Aug 2025
SpaceX celebrates a record-breaking Falcon 9 launch while Starship demonstrates strong performance in its recent test flight, fueling excitement for upcoming projects.
Space Brief 18 Dec 2024
Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid response GPS launch, Raytheon's new rocket motor test, and Starlink's revenue surge. Plus, the Space Force's modernization push.
X Report 6 Mar 2025
Starship Flight 8 set for launch, new milestones in the defense sector, and launch updates dominate today's news.