X Report 25 May 2025
SpaceX addresses the cause of its recent Starship Flight 8 explosion, while successfully launching 23 more Starlink satellites as it continues to expand its constellation.
STARLINK-6249 (56541)
COSPAR: 2023-065AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 6249
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56541
International Designator
2023-065AQ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:21:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
202.19°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.02°
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-6249
Alternative Name
Starlink 6249
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56541U 23065AQ 26200.01496294 .00000393 00000+0 23807-4 0 9990
2 56541 43.0015 202.1881 0001611 269.0207 91.0460 15.27579867176554
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-6249 satellite, designated by NORAD as 56541 and OBJECT_ID as 2023-065AQ, was launched on May 14, 2023, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) for communication purposes. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. Its dry mass is 290 kg with a launch mass of 305 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication, it also features Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and utilizes solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan" and it belongs to the Starlink Group 5-9-39 constellation.
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 5-9-39
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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