X Report 24 May 2025
SpaceX experiences a setback with Starship Flight 8 while continuing its Starlink deployment efforts with a successful launch from California.
STARLINK-6306 (57242)
COSPAR: 2023-094AA | Alt Name: Starlink 6306
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57242
International Designator
2023-094AA
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:25:47 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
353.95°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
272.90°
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-6306
Alternative Name
Starlink 6306
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57242U 23094AA 26200.80957887 .00000753 00000+0 36891-4 0 9995
2 57242 43.0050 353.9538 0001286 272.9034 87.1670 15.27577903167441
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD catalog ID 57242 and object ID 2023-094AA is a Starlink satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on July 7, 2023, from the AFWTR launch site using Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 290 kg and was launched with a total mass of 305 kg. The satellite's dimensions are length 0.2 meters, diameter 2.8 meters, and span 9 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and optical inter-satellite link capabilities. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters, and it generates power through solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan design, and its mission purpose is communication.
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 5-13-25
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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