Space Brief 19 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers launches by SpaceX and mysterious Space Force missions, along with updates on Japan's moon lander and US-UAE defense deals.
STARLINK-6063 (56811)
COSPAR: 2023-078AW | Alt Name: Starlink 6063
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56811
International Designator
2023-078AW
Epoch
Tue, 26 May 2026 00:49:20 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
69.98°
Right Ascension
75.60°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
251.40°
Period
87.64 min
Mean Motion
16.43 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-6063
Alternative Name
Starlink 6063
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56811U 23078AW 26146.03426735 .07085661 44052-5 24829-3 0 9991
2 56811 69.9827 75.6033 0014180 251.3950 108.5743 16.43000737166087
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6063, also known as Starlink 6063, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on May 31, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It weighs about 290 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 305 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. The mission objective is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-10-45 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.
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 2-10-45
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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