X Report 28 Apr 2025
SpaceX marks a milestone with its 250th Starlink mission, continuing to expand its broadband satellite network.
STARLINK-6161 (56380)
COSPAR: 2023-061G | Alt Name: Starlink 6161
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56380
International Designator
2023-061G
Decay Date
7/28/2025
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-6161
Alternative Name
Starlink 6161
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-6161 satellite, also known as Starlink 6161, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on May 4, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 305 kilograms at launch and operates on solar power, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for energy storage. The dry mass is 290 kg, indicating the satellite carries about 15 kg of fuel or other consumables. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. This communication satellite forms part of the Starlink Group 5-6-07 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 5-6-07
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
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