The Day Electric Propulsion Changed Spaceflight Forever
Fifty-five years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched from California carrying technology that would transform how we explore the solar system
STARLINK-5516 (57253)
COSPAR: 2023-094AM | Alt Name: Starlink 5516
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57253
International Designator
2023-094AM
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:50:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
353.76°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.32°
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-5516
Alternative Name
Starlink 5516
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57253U 23094AM 26200.78518263 .00000119 00000+0 13860-4 0 9992
2 57253 43.0031 353.7645 0001185 270.3155 89.7561 15.27567572167441
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5516 satellite, also known as Starlink 5516, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on July 7, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when deployed. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link system. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system.
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 5-13-36
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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