STARLINK-6296 (56773)

COSPAR: 2023-078G | Alt Name: Starlink 6296

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 31, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56773

International Designator

2023-078G

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:37:10 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

331.48°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

274.25°

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

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-6296

Alternative Name

Starlink 6296

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56773U 23078G   26200.81748014  .00000959  00000+0  88119-4 0  9994

2 56773  70.0000 331.4842 0003710 274.2464  85.8271 14.98330652173454

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-6296 satellite, also known as Starlink 6296, was launched on May 31, 2023, from the Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC4E) at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It belongs to the Starlink constellation and is manufactured by SPXS. 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 kilograms with a launch mass of 305 kilograms. It carries equipment such as a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box + pan shape, operating under the ownership of SPXS within its Starlink Group 2-10-07 mission.

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 2-10-07

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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