STARLINK-6040 (56809)

COSPAR: 2023-078AU | Alt Name: Starlink 6040

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 31, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

56809

International Designator

2023-078AU

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:19:46 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

11.19°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

259.65°

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

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-6040

Alternative Name

Starlink 6040

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 56809U 23078AU  26200.80540170  .00000249  00000+0  28696-4 0  9992

2 56809  70.0007  11.1938 0002909 259.6541 100.4291 14.98336847172470

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-6040, also known as Starlink 6040, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on May 31, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at AFWTR (Vandenberg Space Force Base) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. Weighing 290 kilograms dry mass out of an initial launch mass of 305 kilograms, it is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It also features solar arrays and batteries for power generation along with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration and serves the purpose of enhancing global communication capabilities as part of SpaceX’s Starlink constellation.

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 2-10-43

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

Space Brief 28 May 2025

Today's briefing covers SpaceX's ambitious launch and temporary setback with their Super Heavy booster, adjustments in South African telecommunications laws influenced by Starlink, and the U.S. Navy's strategic shifts amidst changes in unmanned combatant acquisitions.

When Will SpaceX Go Public?

As SpaceX continues to make groundbreaking advancements in the space industry, investors are eagerly anticipating the company's potential IPO. Learn about the factors influencing SpaceX's decision to go public and the estimated timeline for this highly anticipated event.

Space Brief 17 Jan 2025

Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.

X Report 15 Apr 2025

SpaceX sets a new rocket-reuse record and prepares for upcoming launches, maintaining the momentum in Starlink satellite deployments.

The Day America Reached Orbit

Sixty-three years ago, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth, piloting Friendship 7 through three historic orbits that transformed the Space Race

SpaceX Launches Twilight Rideshare With 40 Payloads Including NASA Pandora | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launches Twilight rideshare from Vandenberg carrying ~40 payloads including NASA's Pandora satellite. Kepler debuts 10 optical data relay satellites. OroraTech thermal sensors integrated.

SpaceX and xAI Tapped for Pentagon's $100M Drone Contest | KeepTrack X Report

Pentagon selects SpaceX and xAI for $100M autonomous drone competition. Two Falcon 9 rockets launch Starlink sats from California and Florida. 11,215 total Starlink satellites launched.

X Report 23 Aug 2025

This week's highlights include the successful launch of the X-37B spaceplane and the deployment of 24 new Starlink satellites, alongside preparations for the upcoming Starship Flight 10.