Space Brief 25 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include the launch of a U.S. military satellite via SpaceX, a new French defense agreement for satellite services, and the Missile Defense Agency's successful ICBM target tracking with long-range radar.
STARLINK-6061 (56795)
COSPAR: 2023-078AE | Alt Name: Starlink 6061
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56795
International Designator
2023-078AE
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:19:44 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
351.07°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.26°
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-6061
Alternative Name
Starlink 6061
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56795U 23078AE 26200.84704472 .00000197 00000+0 24274-4 0 9997
2 56795 70.0010 351.0703 0003169 267.2644 92.8153 14.98331938172974
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-6061 satellite, identified by NORAD CAT ID 56795 and OBJECT ID 2023-078AE, is part of SpaceX's (SPXS) Starlink constellation. It was launched on May 31, 2023, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, SLC4E, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Weighing 305 kilograms at launch and 290 kilograms dry mass, it is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link. Its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters, and its power supply consists of solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape can be described as box-like with panels, and it serves the mission of providing global internet communications.
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 2-10-29
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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