STARLINK-6238 (56428)

COSPAR: 2023-061BG | Alt Name: Starlink 6238

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

56428

International Designator

2023-061BG

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:06:14 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

153.25°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

271.67°

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

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-6238

Alternative Name

Starlink 6238

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56428U 23061BG  26200.87933125  .00000047  00000+0  11234-4 0  9990

2 56428  43.0032 153.2470 0001286 271.6672  88.4032 15.27578609177177

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink satellite designated STARLINK-6238 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-061BG) was launched on May 4, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. This communication satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 305 kilograms at launch and carries a dry mass of 290 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, an optical inter-satellite link, and Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it belongs to the Starlink Group 5-6-55 constellation for communication purposes.

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 5-6-55

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

The Dog They Never Planned to Bring Home

On April 14, 1958, Sputnik 2 burned up over the North Atlantic, carrying the remains of a stray dog from Moscow who had been dead for five months. The Soviet Union told the world she survived for days. It took forty-five years for the truth to come out.

NROL-72 Spy Satellites Launched; Starlink PNT Blocked | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's 13th NRO proliferated-arch mission lifted off May 11 as Starlink shuts its GPS-rival feature ahead of a looming IPO.

GOES-G | The Day a Weather Satellite Exploded Over the Atlantic

Forty years ago today, a Delta 3914 lifted off Cape Canaveral with a weather satellite the country could not afford to lose. Seventy-one seconds later, its main engine cut off. Ninety-one seconds in, the range safety officer pressed his button. The third domino of a brutal 1986 had fallen.

Space Brief 30 Nov 2024

Today's highlights include SpaceX's dual satellite launches, a new Space Force contract with Raytheon, and Astroscale's upcoming OneWeb mission.

Space Force Awards Pulse Space $40M for Laser Power Tech | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards Pulse Space $40 million to develop laser systems for transmitting power and data between spacecraft in orbit. Game-changing on-orbit energy transfer capability.

SpaceX Wins $2.29B Space Force LEO Comms Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX awarded $2.29 billion to build Space Force's LEO communications backbone, integrating with SDA Transport layer satellites for military tactical data relay through space.

Space Brief 5 Dec 2025

Focusing on military satellite initiatives, defense strategies, and advancements in air and cyber capabilities

X Report 15 Nov 2024

SpaceX preps for its sixth Starship test flight, moving the Super Heavy rocket to the pad. China's unveils a Starship-like reusable rocket concept, while Starlink expands with 24 new satellites launched.