STARLINK-6266 (56542)

COSPAR: 2023-065AR | Alt Name: Starlink 6266

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 14, 2023

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56542

International Designator

2023-065AR

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:55:51 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

201.32°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

284.97°

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

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-6266

Alternative Name

Starlink 6266

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56542U 23065AR  26200.70545838  .00000301  00000+0  20457-4 0  9993

2 56542  43.0010 201.3190 0000808 284.9696  75.1066 15.27581939176625

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-6266 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink series operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 14, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 305 kilograms. Its equipment includes Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is equipped with Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is configured in a Box + pan shape. It operates as part of the Starlink Group 5-9-40 constellation and serves communication purposes.

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 5-9-40

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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