X Report 11 Apr 2025
SpaceX postpones a Starlink launch, Bell Canada targets Starlink subsidies, and questions around Elon Musk's involvement in a NASA appointment arise.
STARLINK-6346 (57243)
COSPAR: 2023-094AB | Alt Name: Starlink 6346
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57243
International Designator
2023-094AB
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:20:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
353.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
263.85°
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-6346
Alternative Name
Starlink 6346
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57243U 23094AB 26200.80572722 -.00000492 00000+0 -83417-5 0 9996
2 57243 43.0045 353.9250 0001124 263.8476 96.2248 15.27576849167447
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6346 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation, launched on July 7, 2023 from AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 290 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays with batteries for power supply. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and is part of the Starlink Group 5-13-26 mission to provide communication services. Its shape is described as a box with panels.
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 5-13-26
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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