Space Brief 7 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers China’s latest satellite launches, leadership changes in the U.S. Space Force, insights from hyperspectral imagery on an Iranian facility, SpaceX's Starlink mission, and more.
STARLINK-5509 (57263)
COSPAR: 2023-094AX | Alt Name: Starlink 5509
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57263
International Designator
2023-094AX
Epoch
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:30:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
199.03°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.33°
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
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5509
Alternative Name
Starlink 5509
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57263U 23094AX 26166.35462526 .00001413 00000-0 60871-4 0 9990
2 57263 43.0009 199.0256 0001754 278.3314 81.7339 15.27583938162054
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5509 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on July 7, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has an object ID of 2023-094AX and a NORAD catalog ID of 57263. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when deployed. It weighs approximately 290 kilograms dry and had an initial launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries for power. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration. It operates in space for communication purposes under the ownership of SpaceX (SPXS).
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 5-13-46
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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