STARLINK-6261 (56417)

COSPAR: 2023-061AV | Alt Name: Starlink 6261

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

56417

International Designator

2023-061AV

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:59:20 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

161.82°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

266.17°

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-6261

Alternative Name

Starlink 6261

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56417U 23061AV  26200.62454749  .00000026  00000+0  10473-4 0  9992

2 56417  43.0036 161.8233 0001654 266.1690  93.8972 15.27580124177054

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-6261 satellite, also known as Starlink 6261, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation. It was launched on May 4, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with an operational span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is approximately 290 kilograms, while its launch mass was 305 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and optical inter-satellite link capabilities. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor and relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it orbits Earth to provide communication services.

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 5-6-44

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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