X Report 9 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch while facing potential C-band spectrum challenges.
STARLINK-6312 (56536)
COSPAR: 2023-065AK | Alt Name: Starlink 6312
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56536
International Designator
2023-065AK
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:59:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
203.14°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
277.72°
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-6312
Alternative Name
Starlink 6312
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56536U 23065AK 26200.37467994 .00000418 00000+0 24718-4 0 9998
2 56536 43.0006 203.1436 0001067 277.7151 82.3579 15.27571847176570
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-6312 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-065AK) is a Starlink communication satellite launched by SpaceX on May 14, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s LC40 pad using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, indicating solar arrays are likely part of its structure. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg, equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system.
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 5-9-34
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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