Space Brief 17 May 2025
Today's brief covers SES's satellite orchestration, SpaceX's defense role, cyber scorecards in DoD, and more.
STARLINK-6270 (56421)
COSPAR: 2023-061AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 6270
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56421
International Designator
2023-061AZ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:50:43 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
159.94°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
269.44°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-6270
Alternative Name
Starlink 6270
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56421U 23061AZ 26200.28522064 .00000550 00000+0 29499-4 0 9995
2 56421 43.0041 159.9439 0001587 269.4425 90.6244 15.27579072177044
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-6270 satellite, also known as Starlink 6270, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on May 4, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays deployed. It has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays complemented by batteries. The satellite's shape consists of a box structure augmented by panels.
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 5-6-48
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 17 Nov 2024
SpaceX readies for Starship Flight 6, stacking the megarocket for its upcoming launch on Nov. 19. Get details on the timing and mission objectives.
Space Brief 12 Dec 2025
Today's space brief highlights the U.S. Space Force's new satellite naming scheme, the Air Force Secretary's warnings on China's space advances, BAE Systems' DARPA award, strategies for future space defense, the importance of GEO satellite refueling, and Blue Origin's plans for Space Force certification.
Space Brief 19 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include a record-breaking high-altitude image of the sun, SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch, and various military developments. Stay informed with detailed updates on launches, reentries, and the latest advancements in drone technology.
25 Starlinks Lift Off from Vandenberg in Latest Batch | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched 25 more Starlink satellites from Vandenberg SFB on March 8, 2026, pushing the active constellation toward 9,914 working spacecraft.
X Report 2 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully completed its 100th Starlink mission of the year and launched the 'Haven Demo' private space station along with 17 other satellites. The company also made strides in lunar lander development for Artemis III.
Space Brief 10 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of a mystery spysat, Maxar's terrain data for U.S. Army systems, and multiple U.S. defense firms enhancing satellite capabilities.
SpaceX Files Plans for Million-Satellite Orbital Data Center | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX files FCC plans for a million-satellite orbital data center constellation. Crew-12 launch timing depends on Artemis 2 mission. Cold weather delays launch window.