Example of SpaceX Starlink "Trains" in Low-Earth Orbit | International Space Station

Example of SpaceX Starlink "Trains": Low-Earth Orbit | International Space Station

NASA astronaut Don Pettit: "My best sighting of a Starlink satellite 'train' from orbit!"

The “Starlink satellite train” is a series of SpaceX satellites launched together, appearing as a line of lights in the sky. These trains are most visible shortly after sunset or before sunrise when the satellites are lit by the sun but the ground is dark.

Starlink satellite dimensions and features:
Size and weight: Each Starlink satellite measures approximately 2.8 meters (9.2 feet) in length and 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) in width, with a thickness of about 0.2 meters (0.7 feet). The weight of each satellite is roughly 260 kilograms (573 pounds).

Solar panels: Each satellite is equipped with a single solar array that unfolds once in orbit. This solar panel measures approximately 8 meters (26 feet) in length, significantly extending the satellite’s total span.

Antenna and phased array: The satellites feature a phased array antenna system for communication with Earth stations and user terminals. These antennas are critical for maintaining high-speed data transmission and low latency.

Ion thrusters: For maneuvering in space, Starlink satellites use a krypton-powered ion thruster system. This propulsion technology allows the satellites to adjust their orbits, avoid collisions, and eventually deorbit at the end of their operational life.

This video from low-Earth orbit was captured by experienced NASA astronaut and former Expedition 71/72 flight engineer, Don Pettit. NASA astronaut Don Pettit returned to Earth on April 19, 2025, concluding a seven-month science mission aboard the International Space Station. Pettit spent 220 days in space, earning him a total of 590 days in space over the course of his four spaceflights. He orbited the Earth 3,520 times, traveling 93.3 million miles in low-Earth orbit.

Follow Expedition 73:

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/

Expedition 73 Crew

Station Commander: Sergey Ryzhikov (Roscosmos)

JAXA Flight Engineer (Japan): Kimiya Yui

Roscosmos (Russia) Flight Engineers: Alexey Zubritskiy, Oleg Platonov

NASA Flight Engineers: Jonny Kim, Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke

An international partnership of space agencies provides and operates the elements of the International Space Station (ISS). The principals are the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.

Image Credit: NASA's Johnson Space Center/D. Pettit
Text Credits: Starlinkinstallationpros[dot]com, TechAnnouncer[dot]com
Time: 11 seconds
Release Date: Oct. 7, 2025

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