HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesStarlink V1.0-L6-46
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Starlink V1.0-L6-46

Re-entered 15 Jan 2026

Starlink V1.0-L6-46 (NORAD 45576, COSPAR 2020-025AX) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Jan 2026, launched on 22 Apr 2020 on the Starlink V1.0-L6 mission. It was operated by SpaceX as part of the Starlink 1.0 programme. The spacecraft was built by SPXS on the Starlink bus, with a mass of 260 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

2020
launched
2026
re-entered
6
years on orbit
260
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Apr 2020 · on the Starlink V1.0-L6 mission
Operational14 Aug 2025 · entered service
Retired6 Sep 2025 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Jan 2026 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID45576
COSPAR2020-025AX
TypeSatellite
OperatorSpaceX
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPXS
BusStarlink
Mass260 kg (248 kg dry)
ProgrammeStarlink 1.0
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude211 × 358 km
Inclination53.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Starlink V1.0-L6-46?

Starlink V1.0-L6-46 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Jan 2026, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2020. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Starlink V1.0-L6-46 re-enter the atmosphere?

Starlink V1.0-L6-46 re-entered on 15 Jan 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Starlink V1.0-L6-46?

Starlink V1.0-L6-46 was operated by SpaceX and built by SPXS (US).

Launched together

Starlink V1.0-L6-01NORAD 45531Starlink V1.0-L6-25NORAD 45555Starlink V1.0-L6-26Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L6-27Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L6-28Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L6-29Re-entered 2024Starlink V1.0-L6-30Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L6-31Re-entered 2023
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.