STARLINK-6178 (56387)

COSPAR: 2023-061P | Alt Name: Starlink 6178

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 4, 2023

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56387

International Designator

2023-061P

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:34:16 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

172.45°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

276.82°

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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-6178

Alternative Name

Starlink 6178

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56387U 23061P   26200.64880499  .00000708  00000+0  35246-4 0  9997

2 56387  43.0043 172.4499 0001508 276.8197  83.2483 15.27575112176935

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The satellite named STARLINK-6178 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-061P) is a Starlink satellite launched on May 4, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 290 kilograms, and its launch mass was 305 kilograms. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its power source consists of solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters. The satellite was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and is owned by the same entity, operating within the Starlink Group 5-6-14 constellation.

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

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 5-6-14

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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