The Day NASA Chose Its First Space Pioneers
Sixty-four years ago, NASA made a decision that would shape the future of human spaceflight by selecting three astronauts to compete for America's first journey into space
STARLINK-6056 (56813)
COSPAR: 2023-078AY | Alt Name: Starlink 6056
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56813
International Designator
2023-078AY
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:50:07 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
11.01°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
264.31°
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-6056
Alternative Name
Starlink 6056
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56813U 23078AY 26200.86814080 -.00000466 00000+0 -31265-4 0 9996
2 56813 70.0007 11.0110 0002856 264.3135 95.7699 14.98331112172488
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-6056 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-078AY) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on May 31, 2023, from SLC4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. Its dry mass is 290 kg, with a launch mass of 305 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as its motor. Its shape is described as box + pan.
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 2-10-47
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.
X Report 9 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides with successful satellite launches and competitive maneuvering in the direct-to-device market, as AST SpaceMobile aligns with Verizon for space-based cellular services.
Starlink Debuts Super Bowl Ad, Falcon 9 Preps for Crew-12 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX airs Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions. Falcon 9 completes static fire test for Crew-12 launch on Feb 11. Falcon 9 resumed flights after engine investigation.
Space Force Modernizes Networks Across 14 Bases, SDA Expands $3.5B Satellite Program | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force initiates cybersecurity network upgrades across 14 bases. SDA expands $3.5B Tracking Layer with 72 new satellites. SpaceX and China drive record orbital launches in 2025.
Your Phone Already Talks to Space
SpaceX quietly built the world's largest 4G network without a single cell tower. Over 650 satellites now connect standard smartphones directly from orbit, and most people carrying compatible phones don't know the service exists.
Space Brief 13 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers significant advancements in space satellite launches, military spending impacts on space, and notable developments from the Space Force and SpaceX.
Space Brief 4 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include the release of a mystery object by Russian military satellites, SpaceX Fram2 mission insights, Amazon's upcoming satellite launch, and more.
Space Brief 3 Apr 2025
Dive into the latest developments including U.S. national security launch contracts, penalties for drone violations at military bases, and emerging European launch providers.