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STARLINK-5973 (56916)
COSPAR: 2023-083AS | Alt Name: Starlink 5973
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 12, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56916
International Designator
2023-083AS
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:32:15 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
45.63°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
263.32°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-5973
Alternative Name
Starlink 5973
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56916U 23083AS 26200.60573130 -.00000163 00000+0 36021-5 0 9995
2 56916 43.0034 45.6292 0000908 263.3209 96.7539 15.27575140171941
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink satellite designated STARLINK-5973 (NORAD CAT ID: 56916) was launched on June 12, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. This communication satellite is owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when its components are deployed. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and weighed 305 kilograms at launch. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication, optical inter-satellite link technology, and krypton ion thrusters as propulsion, the satellite also features solar arrays and batteries to provide power. The shape of the satellite is described as "Box + pan."
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 5-11-41
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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