Space Brief 17 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include significant data release from NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment, SpaceX's dual launches of Crew-10 and Starlink satellites, and intriguing findings from the arctic ice studies.
STARLINK-6138 (57329)
COSPAR: 2023-099B | Alt Name: Starlink 6138
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 16, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57329
International Designator
2023-099B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:57:46 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
229.92°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
280.40°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-6138
Alternative Name
Starlink 6138
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57329U 23099B 26200.16511929 .00001006 00000+0 46100-4 0 9994
2 57329 43.0010 229.9230 0001251 280.3998 79.6712 15.27562856166182
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-6138 satellite, also known as Starlink 6138, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation designed for communication purposes. It was launched on July 16, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and was launched at a mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, suitable for its mission to provide 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 5-15-02
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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