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Starlink V1.0-L21-38

Re-entered 3 Sep 2024

Starlink V1.0-L21-38 (NORAD 47897, COSPAR 2021-021AP) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Sep 2024, launched on 14 Mar 2021 on the Starlink V1.0-L21 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
2024
re-entered
3
years on orbit
260
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Mar 2021 · on the Starlink V1.0-L21 mission
Operational7 Mar 2024 · entered service
Retired13 Jul 2024 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Sep 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID47897
COSPAR2021-021AP
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 V1.0-L21-38?

Starlink V1.0-L21-38 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Sep 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-L21-38 re-enter the atmosphere?

Starlink V1.0-L21-38 re-entered on 3 Sep 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Starlink V1.0-L21-38 operational?

Starlink V1.0-L21-38 was operational for roughly 4 months, from 7 Mar 2024 to 13 Jul 2024.

Who operated and built Starlink V1.0-L21-38?

Starlink V1.0-L21-38 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 2026-09-06.