X Report 14 Dec 2024
SpaceX advances with Starship readiness, scrubs mysterious RRT-1 launch, and successfully deploys more Starlink satellites.
STARLINK-6048 (56459)
COSPAR: 2023-064M | Alt Name: Starlink 6048
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56459
International Designator
2023-064M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:15:38 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
172.48°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.60°
Period
96.11 min
Mean Motion
14.98 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-6048
Alternative Name
Starlink 6048
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56459U 23064M 26200.30253182 -.00001771 00000+0 -14067-3 0 9996
2 56459 69.9992 172.4801 0003360 267.5951 92.4823 14.98333909174958
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-6048 satellite, also known as Starlink 6048, is a communication satellite launched on May 10, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, featuring a box plus pan shape. The satellite's dry mass is 290 kilograms and it has an overall launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, Starlink-6048 uses solar arrays and batteries as its power source and employs Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and forms part of the Starlink Group 2-9-12 constellation mission aimed at enhancing global communication networks.
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 2-9-12
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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