STARLINK-6221 (56484)

COSPAR: 2023-064AN | Alt Name: Starlink 6221

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 10, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56484

International Designator

2023-064AN

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:57:05 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

152.57°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

266.14°

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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-6221

Alternative Name

Starlink 6221

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56484U 23064AN  26200.28964375  .00000479  00000+0  47947-4 0  9990

2 56484  70.0001 152.5654 0003481 266.1429  93.9332 14.98333965175442

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-6221 satellite, also known as Starlink 6221, is a communication spacecraft belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on May 10, 2023, from Vandenberg Space Force Base (AFWTR), SLC4E launch pad using the Falcon 9 rocket, it has a box plus pan shape with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, and its span is 9 meters. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms, while the launch mass was 305 kilograms. Equipped with krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering, STARLINK-6221 operates as part of the Starlink Group 2-9-37 mission, aiming to provide global internet coverage and communication services.

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 2-9-37

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

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