STARLINK-6196 (56487)

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

Image
STARLINK-6196 Satellite 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

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

131.24°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

265.45°

Period

96.11 min

Mean Motion

14.98 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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

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 2-9-40

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

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

SpaceX Orbital Data Center Plans Draw Astronomer Fury | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Orbital Data Center Plans Draw Astronomer Fury | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's orbital data center constellation and TERAFAB's $25B AI chip factory spark backlash as Starlink surpasses 10,116 working satellites.

Space Force Awards $1.8B Andromeda Program to 14 Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Awards $1.8B Andromeda Program to 14 Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force selects 14 companies for $1.8 billion Andromeda program to replace GSSAP geosynchronous surveillance satellites with commercial alternatives through 2036.

Space Force Plans to Double Active-Duty Force by 2030 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Plans to Double Active-Duty Force by 2030 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force confirms plan to double active-duty Guardians by 2030, targeting faster response to satellite anomalies and adversary maneuvers in space domain awareness operations.

Space Brief 10 Dec 2025

Space Brief 10 Dec 2025

Today's brief covers China's intense launch schedule, a new Arctic military constellation, Muon Space's defense innovations, and SpaceX's classified NROL-77 mission.

X Report 16 Jan 2025

X Report 16 Jan 2025

SpaceX launches dual lunar landers while Starship Flight 7 faces weather delay.

Space Brief 19 Nov 2024

Space Brief 19 Nov 2024

Today's brief covers the investigation into Musk-Putin calls, SpaceX launch restrictions impacts, Pentagon's space investment strategies, ABL Space's pivot in focus, and Israel's defense export developments.

The Day Columbia's Crew Shared Their Vision of Peace

The Day Columbia's Crew Shared Their Vision of Peace

Twenty-two years ago, the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia awakened to John Lennon's 'Imagine' and shared a profound message about unity and peace that would become part of their enduring legacy

ESA's Proba-3 Formation-Flyer Goes Silent | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA's Proba-3 Formation-Flyer Goes Silent | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft lost contact last month, grounding the dual-satellite solar eclipse mission. Formation flying between both craft is critical for coronagraph science.