SpaceX's Military Pivot Takes Center Stage, X Report 19 Jul 2026
This Week In Space Episode 219 examines SpaceX's expanding military ties as Starlink's constellation tops 12,552 satellites launched.
STARLINK-6340 (57361)
COSPAR: 2023-099AK | Alt Name: Starlink 6340
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 16, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57361
International Designator
2023-099AK
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:47:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
218.37°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
258.12°
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-6340
Alternative Name
Starlink 6340
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57361U 23099AK 26200.36655591 -.00000062 00000+0 72698-5 0 9990
2 57361 43.0021 218.3721 0001151 258.1182 101.9541 15.27572295166338
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-6340 satellite, also known as Starlink 6340, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on July 16, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 (LC40) aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 305 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries, while propulsion uses krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a panel configuration.
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 5-15-34
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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