SpaceX Launches 2 Starlink Batches in 48 Hours, Both Coasts | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched Starlink batches from Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral within 48 hours, pushing the active constellation toward 10,000 operational satellites.
STARLINK-6298 (56391)
COSPAR: 2023-061T | Alt Name: Starlink 6298
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56391
International Designator
2023-061T
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:36:09 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
169.09°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
276.15°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-6298
Alternative Name
Starlink 6298
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56391U 23061T 26201.23344125 .00000074 00000+0 12206-4 0 9996
2 56391 43.0040 169.0929 0001377 276.1491 83.9203 15.27566524177026
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-6298 satellite, also known as Starlink 6298, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 4, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters for orbital maneuvers. The satellite's shape resembles a box with panels and it was launched as part of the Starlink Group 5-6-18 mission for broadband communication services.
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 5-6-18
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 8 May 2025
SpaceX launches 28 more Starlink satellites while addressing conflicts of interest and expanding home connectivity with a new router.
Space Brief 13 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches a doubleheader of satellites while Blue Origin prepares for a historic all-female spaceflight. Also, meet FORMOSAT-5 in our Satellite Spotlight.
X Report 9 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites, marking a significant milestone with its 500th orbital mission. Both launches underscore the company's commitment to expanding its satellite internet constellation and solidifying its position in the space industry.
X Report 4 Jan 2025
SpaceX kicks off 2025 with successful launches and a record-breaking outlook, aiming to maintain its market leadership amidst emerging competition.
SpaceX Lands $2.29B Space Force Contract, X Report 27 May 2026
SpaceX wins a $2.29 billion US Space Force contract for a military space data network, NASA adds 6 crew missions, and Starship V3 makes its first flight.
Space Brief 25 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include the Pentagon's report on China's military buildup, Innospace's upcoming launch plans, Starlink's rapid growth, China's significant space strides in 2025, and India's successful deployment of BlueBird 6.
Space Brief 21 Nov 2024
Today's brief covers influential space events including Space Force's interest in Starship, U.S. military constellation advancements, and technological developments in counter-drone capabilities.