Space Brief 23 Oct 2025
Today's updates cover Vantor's satellites overcoming tracking challenges, a startup's ambitious missile defense test, and more pivotal space events.
STARLINK-6147 (57120)
COSPAR: 2023-090V | Alt Name: Starlink 6147
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 23, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57120
International Designator
2023-090V
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:14:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
257.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.03°
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-6147
Alternative Name
Starlink 6147
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57120U 23090V 26200.51019595 -.00000220 00000+0 15151-5 0 9996
2 57120 43.0008 257.0133 0001346 271.0307 89.0390 15.27579200170495
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6147, also known as Starlink 6147, is a communication satellite launched on June 23, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, STARLINK-6147 uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 5-12-20 constellation and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Its primary purpose is to provide communication services as part of a broader constellation mission.
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 5-12-20
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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