STARLINK-6296 (56773)

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

Image
STARLINK-6296 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

56773

International Designator

2023-078G

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:37:10 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

331.48°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

274.25°

Period

96.11 min

Mean Motion

14.98 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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

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 2-10-07

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

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Beyond Books SpaceX Rideshare for Memorial Cubesat Mission | KeepTrack X Report

Space Beyond Books SpaceX Rideshare for Memorial Cubesat Mission | KeepTrack X Report

Space Beyond secures SpaceX rideshare launch slot for October 2027 memorial cubesat mission. Starlink constellation at 11,009 total satellites launched with 9,551 currently on orbit.

X Report 7 Dec 2024

X Report 7 Dec 2024

SpaceX celebrates 300 successful booster landings, further solidifying its dominance in reusable rocket technology.

Space Force Completes First Tactical Orbital Intercept | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Completes First Tactical Orbital Intercept | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force executes first tactical orbital intercept under Victus Haze mission using commercial spacecraft. Rendezvous and proximity operations now operationally demonstrated.

X Report 18 Jun 2025

X Report 18 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while preparing for the upcoming Ax-4 mission to the ISS. Significant progress continues in their ongoing space endeavors.

SpaceX Targets 600th Falcon Booster Landing, X Report 19 Apr 2026

SpaceX Targets 600th Falcon Booster Landing, X Report 19 Apr 2026

SpaceX targets its 600th Falcon 9 booster landing on Starlink 17-22, lofting 25 satellites from Vandenberg. Plus a 2028 SpaceX ride for ESA's Mars rover.

X Report 9 Sep 2025

X Report 9 Sep 2025

Important updates include SpaceX's $19 billion spectrum deal with EchoStar, a successful super heavy booster test, and recent setbacks in launching due to poor weather.

Space Brief 11 Aug 2025

Space Brief 11 Aug 2025

Today's briefing highlights major advancements in tactical satellite communications for military applications, the expansion of an IoT satellite constellation by China's Geespace, and significant developments in lunar communications and surveillance systems.

Space Brief 18 Jan 2025

Space Brief 18 Jan 2025

In today's brief: high-profile personnel changes in the Space Force, the inclusion of Space Force in historical political events, and strategic shifts in defense highlighted with a focus on satellite applications.