STARLINK-6196 (56487)

COSPAR: 2023-064AR | Alt Name: Starlink 6196

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 10, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56487

International Designator

2023-064AR

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:57:44 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

131.24°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

265.45°

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-6196

Alternative Name

Starlink 6196

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56487U 23064AR  26200.79009845  .00000882  00000+0  81706-4 0  9990

2 56487  70.0002 131.2365 0002917 265.4484  94.6342 14.98328087176028

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-6196 satellite, also known as Starlink 6196, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on May 10, 2023, from the AFWTR SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its components are extended. The satellite weighs approximately 305 kilograms at launch and carries a Ku/Ka-band payload with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Equipped with krypton ion thrusters and powered by solar arrays and batteries, STARLINK-6196 is designed to operate as part of the Starlink Group 2-9-40 constellation, providing internet connectivity 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 2-9-40

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

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