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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

BlackSky Global 20

Re-entered 5 Apr 2025

BlackSky Global 20 (NORAD 52197, COSPAR 2022-034C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Apr 2025, launched on 2 Apr 2022 on the Global-18/Global-20 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.

2022
launched
2025
re-entered
3
years on orbit
55
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched2 Apr 2022 · on the Global-18/Global-20 mission
Operational1 Oct 2024 · entered service
Retired1 Oct 2024 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Apr 2025 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID52197
COSPAR2022-034C
TypeSatellite
OperatorBSKG
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLEOSTL
BusBSky
Mass55 kg (50 kg dry)
ProgrammeBlackSky
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude426 × 439 km
Inclination53.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to BlackSky Global 20?

BlackSky Global 20 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Apr 2025, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2022. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did BlackSky Global 20 re-enter the atmosphere?

BlackSky Global 20 re-entered on 5 Apr 2025, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built BlackSky Global 20?

BlackSky Global 20 was operated by BSKG and built by LEOSTL (US).

Launched together

BlackSky Global 18NORAD 52196
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.