Space Brief 9 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, Rocket Lab's upcoming Neutron rocket launch, NASA's lunar nuclear reactor project, and more.
STARLINK-6366 (57380)
COSPAR: 2023-099BE | Alt Name: Starlink 6366
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 16, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57380
International Designator
2023-099BE
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:28:58 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
187.05°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
287.36°
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-6366
Alternative Name
Starlink 6366
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57380U 23099BE 26200.68678649 .00000620 00000+0 32042-4 0 9992
2 57380 43.0032 187.0527 0001526 287.3638 72.7047 15.27584705167452
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-6366 satellite, also known as Starlink 6366, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on July 16, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a box-like shape with solar panels measuring approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when deployed. The satellite weighs 290 kilograms dry and carries a total mass of 305 kilograms at launch. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload equipment for communication purposes, featuring optical inter-satellite links and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Power is generated by solar arrays and batteries, supporting its mission to enhance global communication networks.
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 5-15-53
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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