Starlink V2 Flies on Starship in 2027, X Report 4 Mar 2026
Gwynne Shotwell confirms Starlink V2 launches on Starship in 2027. Ship 39 preps Starship Flight 12; Falcon 9 lofts its 600th Starlink of 2026.
STARLINK-6318 (56530)
COSPAR: 2023-065AD | Alt Name: Starlink 6318
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56530
International Designator
2023-065AD
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:58:27 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
164.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.11°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-6318
Alternative Name
Starlink 6318
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56530U 23065AD 26200.24892365 .00000924 00000+0 43103-4 0 9993
2 56530 43.0020 164.0136 0001234 266.1095 93.9616 15.27574273177013
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6318, also known as Starlink 6318, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on May 14, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for high-speed data transfer. The spacecraft weighs 305 kilograms at launch and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Manufactured by SpaceX, this satellite aims to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 5-9-28 mission.
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 5-9-28
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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