Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report
A second Starlink satellite malfunction in just over three months has generated on-orbit debris, raising fresh questions about SpaceX's 10,151-strong working constellation.
STARLINK-6232 (57085)
COSPAR: 2023-088AP | Alt Name: Starlink 6232
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57085
International Designator
2023-088AP
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:42:22 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
70.23°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
275.38°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-6232
Alternative Name
Starlink 6232
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57085U 23088AP 26200.69608882 .00000045 00000+0 11177-4 0 9992
2 57085 43.0058 70.2296 0001528 275.3764 84.6913 15.27577674170698
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6232, also known as Starlink 6232, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on June 22, 2023, from AFWTR (Space Launch Complex 4E) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. STARLINK-6232 is equipped with krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The dry mass of the satellite is 290 kg, while its launch mass was 305 kg. Its shape can be described as a box with a pan configuration. This satellite is part of the Starlink Group 5-7-38 mission aimed at enhancing communication capabilities.
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 5-7-38
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.
Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force sees strategic value in asteroid mining. Congress pushes back on R-GPS phase-out over jamming risks. BlackSky expands Gen 3 defense contracts.
SpaceX to Lower 4,400 Starlink Satellite Orbits for Space Safety | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX plans to lower orbits of 4,400 Starlink satellites after two collision-concern incidents. Cosmo-SkyMed Earth observation satellite launched for Italy from Vandenberg.
X Report 30 Mar 2025
SpaceX gears up for major Starlink launch, while Starship developments continue to shape commercial spacefrontiers.
B1067 Sets 36-Flight Booster Record on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report
Booster B1067 hit 36 flights on July 9, while SpaceX files to expand Starlink to 100,000 satellites at 4,400 lbs each.
Space Brief 1 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers the future of military space operations, ESA's potential defense role, significant developments in satellite communications, and SpaceX's response to Artemis 3 comments.
First Graviton Detector Concept Proposed, Space Force Shelves R-GPS Program | KeepTrack Space Brief
Keck Foundation team proposes first-ever graviton detector concept. Space Force shelves Resilient GPS program. China advances Long March 12B reusable rocket with static fire test at Jiuquan.
Space Brief 5 Dec 2024
Today's brief highlights Umbra Space's contract extension with the NRO, Trump's Space Force ambitions, FibreCoat's new funding targeting defense markets, and key US defense sentiments. Explore notable military and commercial satellite activities.