STARLINK-6242 (56424)

COSPAR: 2023-061BC | Alt Name: Starlink 6242

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

56424

International Designator

2023-061BC

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:53:16 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

156.55°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

269.25°

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-6242

Alternative Name

Starlink 6242

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56424U 23061BC  26200.28700140  .00000154  00000+0  15131-4 0  9999

2 56424  43.0024 156.5462 0001373 269.2460  90.8234 15.27575982177088

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-6242 satellite (OBJECT_ID: 2023-061BC) is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 4, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters for orbital maneuvers. The satellite was launched as part of the Starlink Group 5-6-51 constellation and serves a communication mission, providing internet 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 5-6-51

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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