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Starlink V1.0-L16-50

Re-entered 9 Dec 2024

Starlink V1.0-L16-50 (NORAD 47398, COSPAR 2021-005BB) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Dec 2024, launched on 20 Jan 2021 on the Starlink V1.0-L16 mission. It was operated by SpaceX as part of the Starlink 1.0V1 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.

2021
launched
2024
re-entered
3
years on orbit
260
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Jan 2021 · on the Starlink V1.0-L16 mission
Operational26 Nov 2024 · entered service
Retired26 Nov 2024 · end of operational service
Re-entered9 Dec 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID47398
COSPAR2021-005BB
TypeSatellite
OperatorSpaceX
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPXS
BusStarlink
Mass260 kg (248 kg dry)
ProgrammeStarlink 1.0V1
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude264 × 280 km
Inclination53.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Starlink V1.0-L16-50?

Starlink V1.0-L16-50 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Dec 2024, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2021. 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-L16-50 re-enter the atmosphere?

Starlink V1.0-L16-50 re-entered on 9 Dec 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Starlink V1.0-L16-50?

Starlink V1.0-L16-50 was operated by SpaceX and built by SPXS (US).

Launched together

Starlink V1.0-L16-01Re-entered 2022Starlink V1.0-L16-25NORAD 47373Starlink V1.0-L16-26Re-entered 2026Starlink V1.0-L16-27NORAD 47375Starlink V1.0-L16-28NORAD 47376Starlink V1.0-L16-29NORAD 47377Starlink V1.0-L16-30NORAD 47378Starlink V1.0-L16-31NORAD 47379
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.