STARLINK-6342 (56770)

COSPAR: 2023-078D | Alt Name: Starlink 6342

Image
STARLINK-6342 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 31, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56770

International Designator

2023-078D

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:02:34 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

31.06°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

266.94°

Period

96.11 min

Mean Motion

14.98 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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-6342

Alternative Name

Starlink 6342

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 56770U 23078D   26200.91845316 -.00000263  00000+0 -14252-4 0  9992
2 56770  70.0001  31.0643 0002967 266.9424  93.1396 14.98330644171999

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-6342 satellite, also known as Starlink 6342, was launched on May 31, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite is part of the Starlink constellation and has been manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters when deployed. The dry mass of STARLINK-6342 is approximately 290 kilograms, while its launch mass was 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its propulsion system consists of krypton ion thrusters designed to maintain orbital position. The purpose of STARLINK-6342 is to provide global communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-10-04 payload configuration.

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 2-10-04

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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