Space Brief 22 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include defense sector investments, major military contracts with Rocket Lab, and a glimpse at new American Innovation dollar coins featuring space achievements.
STARLINK-6053 (56466)
COSPAR: 2023-064U | Alt Name: Starlink 6053
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56466
International Designator
2023-064U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:15:25 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
271.80°
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-6053
Alternative Name
Starlink 6053
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56466U 23064U 26200.30237528 .00000281 00000+0 31339-4 0 9995
2 56466 69.9992 172.4785 0003362 271.7984 88.2790 14.98338521174953
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6053 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation, launched on May 10, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It weighs 290 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system consists of krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape can be described as box-shaped with panel extensions.
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 2-9-19
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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