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Starlink V1.0-L26-38

Re-entered 23 Apr 2022

Starlink V1.0-L26-38 (NORAD 48590, COSPAR 2021-041AP) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Apr 2022, launched on 15 May 2021 on the Starlink V1.0-L26 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
2022
re-entered
1
year on orbit
260
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 May 2021 · on the Starlink V1.0-L26 mission
Operational6 Feb 2022 · entered service
Retired19 Apr 2022 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Apr 2022 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID48590
COSPAR2021-041AP
TypeSatellite
OperatorSpaceX
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPXS
BusStarlink
Mass260 kg (248 kg dry)
ProgrammeStarlink 1.0V2
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude566 × 583 km
Inclination53.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Starlink V1.0-L26-38?

Starlink V1.0-L26-38 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Apr 2022, 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-L26-38 re-enter the atmosphere?

Starlink V1.0-L26-38 re-entered on 23 Apr 2022, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Starlink V1.0-L26-38 operational?

Starlink V1.0-L26-38 was operational for roughly 2 months, from 6 Feb 2022 to 19 Apr 2022.

Who operated and built Starlink V1.0-L26-38?

Starlink V1.0-L26-38 was operated by SpaceX and built by SPXS (US).

Launched together

Starlink V1.0-L26-01NORAD 48553Starlink V1.0-L26-25NORAD 48577Starlink V1.0-L26-26NORAD 48578Starlink V1.0-L26-27Re-entered 2024Starlink V1.0-L26-28NORAD 48580Starlink V1.0-L26-29NORAD 48581Starlink V1.0-L26-30NORAD 48582Starlink V1.0-L26-31NORAD 48583
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.