Space Brief 23 Apr 2025
Today's brief highlights the US Space Force's new space conflict doctrine, Ukraine's search for Starlink alternatives, and updates on regional military activities affecting space dynamics.
STARLINK-5872 (57232)
COSPAR: 2023-094Q | Alt Name: Starlink 5872
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57232
International Designator
2023-094Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:22:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
4.92°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.25°
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-5872
Alternative Name
Starlink 5872
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57232U 23094Q 26200.76588131 .00000902 00000+0 42274-4 0 9999
2 57232 43.0046 4.9160 0001200 266.2458 93.8256 15.27590040167970
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5872 satellite, also known as Starlink 5872, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on July 7, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 9 meters when deployed. It has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite employs krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and is part of the Starlink Group 5-13-15 constellation designed for communication purposes.
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 5-13-15
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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