STARLINK-6255 (56550)

COSPAR: 2023-065AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 6255

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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

56550

International Designator

2023-065AZ

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:41:52 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

200.73°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

266.90°

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-6255

Alternative Name

Starlink 6255

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56550U 23065AZ  26200.27908241  .00000357  00000+0  22515-4 0  9993

2 56550  43.0017 200.7289 0001489 266.9028  93.1654 15.27582236176598

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-6255 is a Starlink satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on May 14, 2023, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR), LC40 launch pad, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when deployed. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The mission purpose is communication as part of the Starlink Group 5-9-48 constellation, aimed at providing global internet coverage.

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 5-9-48

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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