X Report 20 Oct 2025
SpaceX made significant strides with the successful launch of Starlink satellites and the approval for the redevelopment of SLC-6, reinforcing its foothold in commercial spaceflight.
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
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:25:20 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
188.55°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
274.82°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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 26166.35092769 .00000156 00000-0 15201-4 0 9995
2 57242 43.0046 188.5524 0001082 274.8176 85.2552 15.27578466162173
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Wins $57M Military Crosslink Deal | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX secures a $57M Pentagon contract for satellite crosslink demos as it joins Golden Dome, America's largest-ever missile defense program.
X Report 17 Nov 2024
SpaceX readies for Starship Flight 6, stacking the megarocket for its upcoming launch on Nov. 19. Get details on the timing and mission objectives.
X Report 5 May 2025
SpaceX celebrated Star Wars Day with a successful launch of Starlink satellites, furthering its mission to enhance global internet access. Lego also revealed a new collectible set tied to the franchise.
Space Brief 16 Feb 2025
SpaceX's historic Falcon 9 flight launches 21 Starlink satellites, opening new milestones in space travel. Meanwhile, K2 Space achieves a funding breakthrough, and the first astronaut with a disability is set for a mission to the ISS.
Who Owns the Most Satellites Orbiting Earth?
Uncover the top companies dominating the satellite industry. From SpaceX to One Web, learn who's leading in space assets. Full list inside.
X Report 11 Jan 2025
Starship Flight 7 scheduled for Jan 13, SpaceX sets Falcon 9 record, and NRO expands spy satellite constellation.
Space Brief 19 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's potential government contract, the future of US Space Command headquarters, an auction record for Neil Armstrong's watch, and the volcanic history of Mars.