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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Starlink 2291

Re-entered 13 Sep 2026

Starlink 2291 (NORAD 47862, COSPAR 2021-021C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Sep 2026, launched on 14 Mar 2021 on the Starlink V1.0-L21 mission. It is catalogued as Starlink V1.0-L21-03. 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
2026
re-entered
5
years on orbit
260
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Mar 2021 · on the Starlink V1.0-L21 mission
Operational17 Jan 2026 · entered service
Retired7 Jul 2026 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Sep 2026 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID47862
COSPAR2021-021C
TypeSatellite
OperatorSpaceX
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPXS
BusStarlink
Mass260 kg (248 kg dry)
ProgrammeStarlink 1.0V2
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude255 × 285 km
Inclination53.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Starlink 2291?

Starlink 2291 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Sep 2026, 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 2291 re-enter the atmosphere?

Starlink 2291 re-entered on 13 Sep 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Starlink 2291 operational?

Starlink 2291 was operational for roughly 6 months, from 17 Jan 2026 to 7 Jul 2026.

Who operated and built Starlink 2291?

Starlink 2291 was operated by SpaceX and built by SPXS (US).

Launched together

Starlink V1.0-L21-01Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L21-25NORAD 47884Starlink V1.0-L21-26Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L21-27Re-entered 2023Starlink V1.0-L21-28NORAD 47887Starlink V1.0-L21-29Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L21-30Re-entered 2025Starlink V1.0-L21-31Re-entered 2023
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-18.