STARLINK-6256 (56401)

COSPAR: 2023-061AD | Alt Name: Starlink 6256

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

56401

International Designator

2023-061AD

Epoch

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 20:34:50 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

42.97°

Right Ascension

251.81°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

286.14°

Period

87.74 min

Mean Motion

16.41 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-6256

Alternative Name

Starlink 6256

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56401U 23061AD  26102.85752567  .09175625  93433-5  56169-3 0  9996

2 56401  42.9730 251.8116 0005065 286.1367  73.8968 16.41138878163273

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-6256 satellite, also known as Starlink 6256, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 4, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, this communication satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for high-speed data transmission, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays paired with batteries for power generation.

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 5-6-28

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

Space Force Awards Counter-Surveillance Payload Contracts | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force RCO awarded SBIR contracts for radar-detection payloads to counter adversary surveillance of U.S. satellites. Follow-on miniaturization effort already planned.

X Report 29 Oct 2025

SpaceX embraces community support during Hurricane Melissa while advancing its Starbase infrastructure and launching more Starlink satellites.

Space Brief 28 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers defense industry dynamics, advancements in quantum sensor technology, and geopolitical challenges impacting military space operations.

Starlink Constellation Size Nears 10,000, X Report 16 Mar 2026

Starlink constellation size in March 2026: 9,996 satellites in orbit and 9,986 working from 11,504 launched, as SpaceX deorbits legacy V1.0 hardware.

X Report 27 Mar 2025

SpaceX successfully launches 27 Starlink satellites and gains approval for internet services in Vietnam.

X Report 6 Dec 2024

SpaceX achieves a milestone with its 350th successful mission, including a significant Starlink launch, while Starship advances in testing. Meanwhile, SpaceX boosts SiriusXM's satellite fleet and industry competitors make strides.

Starship V3 Targets May 19 on New Pad 2 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship V3's debut from Launch Pad 2, while the FCC approves a $2.4B EchoStar spectrum deal for Starlink.

X Report 28 Jul 2025

SpaceX continues its ambitious satellite deployment schedule with two successful Starlink launches in just 24 hours, enhancing global connectivity.