X Report 29 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up 2024 with successful Starlink and Astranis launches, while reflecting on a monumental year for the Starship program.
STARLINK-6170 (57129)
COSPAR: 2023-090AE | Alt Name: Starlink 6170
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 23, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57129
International Designator
2023-090AE
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:15:20 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
235.85°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
305.23°
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-6170
Alternative Name
Starlink 6170
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57129U 23090AE 26201.13564919 -.00000470 00000+0 -75752-5 0 9990
2 57129 43.0015 235.8455 0001234 305.2254 54.8482 15.27574091170608
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-6170 satellite, also known as Starlink 6170, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on June 23, 2023, from the AFETR launch site using Falcon 9 at LC40. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters, featuring a box plus pan shape. It weighs 305 kg at launch and 290 kg when dry. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its purpose is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 5-12-29 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 5-12-29
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 Brief 11 Sep 2024
A recap of notable space events including the Soyuz MS-26 launch to the ISS, Polaris Dawn's altitude achievement, and satellite tracking updates.
X Report 19 Dec 2024
SpaceX secures FAA license for Starship Flight 7 and plans to establish Starbase as a city. Firefly and ispace are set to share a Falcon 9 launch. Plus, new Starlink services launch in New Zealand.
Space Brief 19 May 2025
Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.
Space Brief 20 Mar 2025
Today's brief highlights critical discussions in military space readiness, potential satellite 'dogfighting' scenarios, international defense collaborations, and a notable communications satellite launch.
The Morning a Supply Ship Tore Open Mir
On 25 June 1997, a seven-ton cargo ship under hand control drifted into Mir's Spektr module, breached the hull, and left three crew members listening to their air hiss into space. It remains the worst collision in the history of human spaceflight.
Space Brief 10 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of a mystery spysat, Maxar's terrain data for U.S. Army systems, and multiple U.S. defense firms enhancing satellite capabilities.
X Report 20 Feb 2025
SpaceX and Rocket Lab make headlines with simultaneous launches, while Musk's Starliner comments stir controversy.