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Starlink V1.0-L18-50

Re-entered 29 Mar 2025

Starlink V1.0-L18-50 (NORAD 47597, COSPAR 2021-009BB) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Mar 2025, launched on 4 Feb 2021 on the Starlink V1.0-L18 mission. It was operated by SpaceX as part of the Starlink 1.0V2 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
2025
re-entered
4
years on orbit
260
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Feb 2021 · on the Starlink V1.0-L18 mission
Operational5 Nov 2024 · entered service
Retired3 Jan 2025 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Mar 2025 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID47597
COSPAR2021-009BB
TypeSatellite
OperatorSpaceX
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPXS
BusStarlink
Mass260 kg (248 kg dry)
ProgrammeStarlink 1.0V2
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude299 × 303 km
Inclination53.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Starlink V1.0-L18-50?

Starlink V1.0-L18-50 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Mar 2025, 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-L18-50 re-enter the atmosphere?

Starlink V1.0-L18-50 re-entered on 29 Mar 2025, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Starlink V1.0-L18-50 operational?

Starlink V1.0-L18-50 was operational for roughly 2 months, from 5 Nov 2024 to 3 Jan 2025.

Who operated and built Starlink V1.0-L18-50?

Starlink V1.0-L18-50 was operated by SpaceX and built by SPXS (US).

Launched together

Starlink V1.0-L18-01Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L18-25Re-entered 2026Starlink V1.0-L18-26Re-entered 2026Starlink V1.0-L18-27Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L18-28Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L18-29Re-entered 2026Starlink V1.0-L18-30Re-entered 2026Starlink V1.0-L18-31Re-entered 2025
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.