Space Brief 3 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's continued Starlink expansions, Japan's successful Michibiki satellite launch, and challenges faced by India's navigation satellite. Stay updated on crucial satellite events and launches.
STARLINK-6045 (56462)
COSPAR: 2023-064Q | Alt Name: Starlink 6045
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56462
International Designator
2023-064Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:02:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
132.54°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
264.86°
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-6045
Alternative Name
Starlink 6045
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56462U 23064Q 26200.25199676 -.00000452 00000+0 -30125-4 0 9990
2 56462 70.0004 132.5367 0003120 264.8623 95.2180 14.98335545175948
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6045 is a Starlink satellite launched by SpaceX on May 10, 2023, from Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power supply. It weighs 305 kilograms at launch and 290 kilograms dry mass. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite is designed for communication purposes and operates within the Starlink Group 2-9-15 constellation.
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 2-9-15
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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