Space Brief 25 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include the launch of a U.S. military satellite via SpaceX, a new French defense agreement for satellite services, and the Missile Defense Agency's successful ICBM target tracking with long-range radar.
STARLINK-6142 (57113)
COSPAR: 2023-090N | Alt Name: Starlink 6142
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 23, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57113
International Designator
2023-090N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:59:53 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
256.94°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.37°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-6142
Alternative Name
Starlink 6142
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57113U 23090N 26200.49991963 .00000887 00000+0 41771-4 0 9997
2 57113 43.0018 256.9418 0001434 278.3662 81.7027 15.27575229170497
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6142, also known as Starlink 6142, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on June 23, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 9 meters due to its solar arrays or deployable components. At launch, it had a mass of 305 kilograms, reducing to 290 kilograms dry mass. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite also features krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays plus batteries for power supply. Its shape is described as box-shaped with additional panels.
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 5-12-13
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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