Project Vanguard
How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.
STARLINK-6163 (57128)
COSPAR: 2023-090AD | Alt Name: Starlink 6163
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 23, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57128
International Designator
2023-090AD
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:34:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
253.20°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
280.09°
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-6163
Alternative Name
Starlink 6163
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57128U 23090AD 26201.14864403 .00000519 00000+0 28391-4 0 9999
2 57128 43.0021 253.1994 0001621 280.0948 79.9720 15.27574628170402
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-6163 satellite, also known as Starlink 6163, is part of the Starlink constellation owned and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on June 23, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when fully extended. It weighs approximately 290 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 305 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload equipment for high-speed internet connectivity and includes optical inter-satellite links for data transmission between satellites. Its propulsion system consists of krypton ion thrusters, and it uses solar arrays and batteries to generate power. The mission purpose is focused on providing global communication services.
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 5-12-28
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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