Space Brief 16 Sep 2025
Today's brief highlights the impact of military spending and technology competition on the space economy, new satellite connectivity partnerships, and defense spending pledges in Europe.
STARLINK-5850 (57049)
COSPAR: 2023-088B | Alt Name: Starlink 5850
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57049
International Designator
2023-088B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:40:51 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
85.25°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.32°
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-5850
Alternative Name
Starlink 5850
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57049U 23088B 26200.73671044 .00000925 00000+0 43163-4 0 9994
2 57049 43.0057 85.2494 0001475 267.3224 92.7458 15.27571909170718
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5850, also known as Starlink 5850, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on June 22, 2023, from the AFWTR Space Launch Complex 4E 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. At launch, it had a mass of 305 kilograms and a dry mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, as well as krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's power system consists of solar arrays and batteries. Its shape is described as box-shaped with a pan configuration. This satellite is part of the Starlink Group 5-7-02 constellation and serves to provide communication services.
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 5-7-02
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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