Space Brief 17 May 2025
Today's brief covers SES's satellite orchestration, SpaceX's defense role, cyber scorecards in DoD, and more.
STARLINK-6173 (56385)
COSPAR: 2023-061M | Alt Name: Starlink 6173
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56385
International Designator
2023-061M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:14:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
174.45°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
264.82°
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-6173
Alternative Name
Starlink 6173
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56385U 23061M 26200.34372475 .00000774 00000+0 37665-4 0 9992
2 56385 43.0024 174.4539 0001572 264.8244 95.2428 15.27569604176885
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-6173 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-061M) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on May 4, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 290 kg with a launch mass of 305 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters to maneuver in orbit.
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 5-6-12
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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