STARLINK-6049 (56796)

COSPAR: 2023-078AF | Alt Name: Starlink 6049

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 31, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56796

International Designator

2023-078AF

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:43:43 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

11.51°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

267.23°

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-6049

Alternative Name

Starlink 6049

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56796U 23078AF  26200.78037007  .00000244  00000+0  28238-4 0  9991

2 56796  70.0003  11.5077 0002907 267.2318  92.8508 14.98333140172461

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The satellite named STARLINK-6049 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-078AF) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on May 31, 2023, from AFWTR using Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E. It has dimensions of 0.2m in length, 2.8m in diameter, and a span of 9m. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms while the launch mass was 305 kilograms. It utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, and it operates under the ownership of SPXS (SpaceX).

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 2-10-30

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

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