Space Brief 22 May 2025
Today's brief covers strategic alignments in U.S. military space operations, a landmark missile defense program, and advances in secure satellite communications.
STARLINK-6121 (56129)
COSPAR: 2023-046AP | Alt Name: Starlink 6121
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 29, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56129
International Designator
2023-046AP
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:18:21 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
74.59°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
263.25°
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-6121
Alternative Name
Starlink 6121
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56129U 23046AP 26199.92941042 -.00000491 00000+0 -83263-5 0 9998
2 56129 43.0025 74.5860 0001296 263.2462 96.8242 15.27575136182860
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-6121 satellite, also known as Starlink 6121, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on March 29, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 290 kilograms with a total launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it also utilizes krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Power generation comes from solar arrays and batteries. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), the satellite is owned by SpaceX and is part of the Starlink Group 5-10-37 mission, aimed at providing global internet coverage.
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 5-10-37
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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