STARLINK-6231 (56779)

COSPAR: 2023-078N | Alt Name: Starlink 6231

Image
STARLINK-6231 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

56779

International Designator

2023-078N

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:25:27 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

351.34°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

265.56°

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-6231

Alternative Name

Starlink 6231

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 56779U 23078N   26200.80934904  .00000510  00000+0  50539-4 0  9992
2 56779  70.0007 351.3406 0002924 265.5568  94.5257 14.98323741172954

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The Starlink-6231 satellite, also known as Starlink 6231 and designated by NORAD CAT ID 56779, is a communication satellite launched on May 31, 2023, from the Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters when its components are deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 290 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, Starlink-6231 uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), the satellite is owned by SpaceX and operates as part of the Starlink Group 2-10-13 constellation to provide communication services.

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 2-10-13

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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