Space Brief 31 Dec 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights the latest developments in China's megaconstellation funding, Russia's nuclear posturing in Europe, and other significant military activities.
STARLINK-6359 (57346)
COSPAR: 2023-099U | Alt Name: Starlink 6359
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 16, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57346
International Designator
2023-099U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:39:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
223.36°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
291.96°
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-6359
Alternative Name
Starlink 6359
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57346U 23099U 26200.77719985 .00000115 00000+0 13691-4 0 9991
2 57346 43.0030 223.3608 0001276 291.9635 68.1080 15.27575247166317
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-6359 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on July 16, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and was launched at a mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The mission aims to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 5-15-19 constellation.
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 5-15-19
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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