Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026
How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? SpaceX passed 10,000 after the Starlink 17-24 launch, with 10,020 in orbit and 11,529 launched.
STARLINK-6231 (56779)
COSPAR: 2023-078N | Alt Name: Starlink 6231
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
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
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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.
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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