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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

BlackSky Global 15

Re-entered 20 Sep 2024

BlackSky Global 15 (NORAD 49470, COSPAR 2021-106B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Sep 2024, launched on 18 Nov 2021 on the Global-14/Global-15 mission. It was operated by BSKG as part of the BlackSky programme. The spacecraft was built by LEOSTL on the BSky bus, with a mass of 55 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
55
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Nov 2021 · on the Global-14/Global-15 mission
Operational1 Aug 2024 · entered service
Retired1 Aug 2024 · end of operational service
Re-entered20 Sep 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID49470
COSPAR2021-106B
TypeSatellite
OperatorBSKG
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLEOSTL
BusBSky
Mass55 kg (50 kg dry)
ProgrammeBlackSky
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude426 × 438 km
Inclination42.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to BlackSky Global 15?

BlackSky Global 15 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 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 BlackSky Global 15 re-enter the atmosphere?

BlackSky Global 15 re-entered on 20 Sep 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built BlackSky Global 15?

BlackSky Global 15 was operated by BSKG and built by LEOSTL (US).

Launched together

BlackSky Global 14NORAD 49469
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.