Space Brief 24 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers South Korea's fourth spy satellite launch, potential changes in drone deployment strategies by the US Air Force, and the largest-ever spectrum-sharing demonstration set by the Pentagon.
STARLINK-6287 (56404)
COSPAR: 2023-061AG | Alt Name: Starlink 6287
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56404
International Designator
2023-061AG
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:09:34 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
164.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.67°
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-6287
Alternative Name
Starlink 6287
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56404U 23061AG 26200.25664362 -.00000017 00000+0 89062-5 0 9993
2 56404 43.0016 164.2202 0001074 278.6745 81.3985 15.27575517176994
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-6287 satellite, also known as Starlink 6287 and part of the Starlink Group 5-6-31 payload, is a communication satellite owned by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on May 4, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms, and it was launched at a total mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link equipment, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The propulsion system employs Krypton ion thrusters for orbital maneuvers. Its shape is described as box plus pan configuration.
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 5-6-31
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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