Space Brief 16 Jan 2025
Explore today's pivotal news in space with highlights on record government space budgets, military satellite developments, and significant industry shifts.
STARLINK-6256 (56401)
COSPAR: 2023-061AD | Alt Name: Starlink 6256
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56401
International Designator
2023-061AD
Epoch
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 20:34:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
42.97°
Right Ascension
251.81°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
286.14°
Period
87.74 min
Mean Motion
16.41 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-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.
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 5-6-28
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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