SpaceX and Starlink
This article delves into SpaceX's incredible journey from its inception to becoming a space industry leader, and its Starlink project's mission to provide global internet access.
STARLINK-6051 (56463)
COSPAR: 2023-064R | Alt Name: Starlink 6051
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56463
International Designator
2023-064R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:09:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
172.60°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.15°
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-6051
Alternative Name
Starlink 6051
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56463U 23064R 26200.33994904 .00000336 00000+0 35992-4 0 9993
2 56463 69.9997 172.6028 0003651 271.1548 88.9193 14.98329534174967
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-6051 satellite, also known as Starlink 6051, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 10, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms with a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The configuration is described as "Box + pan" in shape, part of the Starlink Group 2-9-16 mission aimed at enhancing global communication capabilities.
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 2-9-16
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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