X Report 22 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves its 450th Falcon 9 launch, setting a new turnaround record, while its competitor ULA remains grounded, awaiting clearance from the Space Force.
STARLINK-6279 (56411)
COSPAR: 2023-061AP | Alt Name: Starlink 6279
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56411
International Designator
2023-061AP
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:09:36 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
162.42°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
231.34°
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-6279
Alternative Name
Starlink 6279
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56411U 23061AP 26200.59000316 -.00000024 00000+0 86249-5 0 9993
2 56411 43.0015 162.4222 0000572 231.3391 128.7410 15.27575255177043
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6279 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on May 4, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and its solar arrays span up to 9 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters for orbital maneuvering. The satellite's shape consists of a box structure with a 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 5-6-38
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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