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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Starlink 3096

Re-entered 20 May 2026

Starlink 3096 (NORAD 49131, COSPAR 2021-082B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 May 2026, launched on 14 Sep 2021 on the Starlink Group 2-1 mission. It is catalogued as Starlink Group 2-1-01. It was operated by SpaceX as part of the Starlink 1.5 G2 programme. The spacecraft was built by SPXS on the Starlink bus, with a mass of 297 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
297
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Sep 2021 · on the Starlink Group 2-1 mission
Operational17 Feb 2026 · entered service
Retired5 May 2026 · end of operational service
Re-entered20 May 2026 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID49131
COSPAR2021-082B
TypeSatellite
OperatorSpaceX
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPXS
BusStarlink
Mass297 kg (275 kg dry)
ProgrammeStarlink 1.5 G2
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude228 × 334 km
Inclination70.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Starlink 3096?

Starlink 3096 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 May 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 3096 re-enter the atmosphere?

Starlink 3096 re-entered on 20 May 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Starlink 3096 operational?

Starlink 3096 was operational for roughly 3 months, from 17 Feb 2026 to 5 May 2026.

Who operated and built Starlink 3096?

Starlink 3096 was operated by SpaceX and built by SPXS (US).

Launched together

Starlink Group 2-1-24NORAD 49154Starlink Group 2-1-25NORAD 49155Starlink Group 2-1-26NORAD 49156Starlink Group 2-1-27NORAD 49157Starlink Group 2-1-28NORAD 49158Starlink Group 2-1-29NORAD 49159Starlink Group 2-1-30NORAD 49160Starlink Group 2-1-31NORAD 49161
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-16.