Starlink 4042
Re-entered 17 Feb 2026Starlink 4042 (NORAD 52661, COSPAR 2022-053F) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Feb 2026, launched on 18 May 2022 on the Starlink Group 4-18 mission. It is catalogued as Starlink Group 4-18-06. It was operated by SpaceX as part of the Starlink 1.5 G4 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Starlink 4042?
Starlink 4042 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Feb 2026, 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 Starlink 4042 re-enter the atmosphere?
Starlink 4042 re-entered on 17 Feb 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
How long was Starlink 4042 operational?
Starlink 4042 was operational for roughly 2 months, from 21 Dec 2025 to 5 Feb 2026.
Who operated and built Starlink 4042?
Starlink 4042 was operated by SpaceX and built by SPXS (US).