Space Brief 8 May 2025
Today we cover new appointments at NASA, calls for increased Space Force funding, and a successful test of a hypersonic vehicle. Further investigations target SpaceX, and a documentary highlights space superiority.
STARLINK-5960 (56920)
COSPAR: 2023-083AW | Alt Name: Starlink 5960
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 12, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56920
International Designator
2023-083AW
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:43:19 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
44.12°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
260.78°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-5960
Alternative Name
Starlink 5960
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56920U 23083AW 26200.86342166 -.00000175 00000+0 31547-5 0 9992
2 56920 43.0026 44.1194 0000977 260.7795 99.2946 15.27575067172016
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5960 satellite, also known as Starlink 5960, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on June 12, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a NORAD catalog ID of 56920 and an object identifier of 2023-083AW. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload complemented by optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power, it also features krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite has a launch mass of 305 kg and a dry mass of 290 kg. Its mission is to provide global broadband internet access through the Starlink Group 5-11-45 payload configuration.
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 5-11-45
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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