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Starlink Group 2-1-40

Re-entered 17 Dec 2024

Starlink Group 2-1-40 (NORAD 49170, COSPAR 2021-082AS) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Dec 2024, launched on 14 Sep 2021 on the Starlink Group 2-1 mission. 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
2024
re-entered
3
years on orbit
297
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Sep 2021 · on the Starlink Group 2-1 mission
Operational5 Dec 2024 · entered service
Retired5 Dec 2024 · end of operational service
Re-entered17 Dec 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID49170
COSPAR2021-082AS
TypeSatellite
OperatorSpaceX
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPXS
BusStarlink
Mass297 kg (275 kg dry)
ProgrammeStarlink 1.5 G2
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude219 × 333 km
Inclination70.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Starlink Group 2-1-40?

Starlink Group 2-1-40 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Dec 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 Group 2-1-40 re-enter the atmosphere?

Starlink Group 2-1-40 re-entered on 17 Dec 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Starlink Group 2-1-40?

Starlink Group 2-1-40 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 2026-09-06.