STARLINK-6281 (56410)

COSPAR: 2023-061AN | Alt Name: Starlink 6281

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

56410

International Designator

2023-061AN

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:37:06 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

163.50°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

270.21°

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-6281

Alternative Name

Starlink 6281

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56410U 23061AN  26200.27577037 -.00000197  00000+0  23553-5 0  9996

2 56410  43.0008 163.5035 0000919 270.2116  89.8630 15.27574983177004

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-6281, also known as Starlink 6281, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 4, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays deployed. It weighs about 305 kilograms at launch and carries a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries for power generation. The mission is focused on providing communication services as part of SpaceX's Starlink 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 5-6-37

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

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