Space Brief 18 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the reentry of Firefly's Blue Ghost moon lander, a compelling study on space debris exacerbated by climate change, and new advancements from the Vera Rubin Observatory.
STARLINK-6042 (56808)
COSPAR: 2023-078AT | Alt Name: Starlink 6042
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56808
International Designator
2023-078AT
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:15:26 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
301.65°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
269.51°
Period
96.11 min
Mean Motion
14.98 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-6042
Alternative Name
Starlink 6042
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56808U 23078AT 26200.71905354 .00000017 00000+0 92191-5 0 9995
2 56808 70.0000 301.6468 0003367 269.5059 90.5714 14.98332351174196
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6042 is a Starlink satellite launched by SpaceX on May 31, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, equipped with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries, featuring a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite's propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters. The mission aims to enhance global internet connectivity as part of the Starlink constellation, with its manufacturer being SpaceX (SPXS).
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 2-10-42
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Day Two Satellites Hit Each Other at 26,000 MPH
On February 10, 2009, an active Iridium communications satellite and a derelict Soviet military spacecraft slammed into each other 789 kilometers above Siberia. The collision produced more than 2,300 pieces of trackable debris that are still up there. Seventeen years later, the Iridium-Cosmos collision remains the event that made space debris a policy problem the world could no longer ignore.
X Report 16 Sep 2025
SpaceX continues to make headlines with successful launches and advancements in satellite technology. Notably, a Falcon 9 rocket delivered an upgraded Cygnus spacecraft to the ISS amid a busy launch schedule this week.
Voyager 1
In November 2023, Earth's most distant spacecraft started speaking gibberish. Five months, one dead memory chip, and 30 billion miles of round-trip troubleshooting later, engineers got it talking again - using code written before most of them were born.
X Report 8 Dec 2025
SpaceX faces weather challenges as it scrubs the launch of its 3,000th Starlink satellite. Meanwhile, Elon Musk discusses advancing to a Type II civilization in an engaging social media post.
Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
Musk Outlines Starship Tower Catch Plan, February Ends With 83 Sats | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk confirms Starship V3 tower catch attempt plans with SN1 headed for ground tests. SpaceX wraps February with 83 Starlink satellites across three launches. 9,826 sats on orbit.
Space Brief 15 May 2025
Today's brief highlights a nuclear battery startup's funding boost, advisory board additions in the space sector, and key military updates impacting space operations.