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Starlink Group 6-51-18

Re-entered 3 Dec 2025

Starlink Group 6-51-18 (NORAD 59528, COSPAR 2024-073T) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Dec 2025, launched on 17 Apr 2024 on the Starlink Group 6-51 mission. It was operated by SpaceX as part of the Starlink 2M S2 programme. The spacecraft was built by SPXS on the Starlink V2M bus, with a mass of 730 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.

2024
launched
2025
re-entered
1
year on orbit
730
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Apr 2024 · on the Starlink Group 6-51 mission
Operational1 May 2025 · entered service
Retired29 Oct 2025 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Dec 2025 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID59528
COSPAR2024-073T
TypeSatellite
OperatorSpaceX
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPXS
BusStarlink V2M
Mass730 kg (700 kg dry)
ProgrammeStarlink 2M S2
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude284 × 292 km
Inclination43.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Starlink Group 6-51-18?

Starlink Group 6-51-18 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Dec 2025, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2024. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Starlink Group 6-51-18 re-enter the atmosphere?

Starlink Group 6-51-18 re-entered on 3 Dec 2025, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Starlink Group 6-51-18 operational?

Starlink Group 6-51-18 was operational for roughly 6 months, from 1 May 2025 to 29 Oct 2025.

Who operated and built Starlink Group 6-51-18?

Starlink Group 6-51-18 was operated by SpaceX and built by SPXS (US).

Launched together

Starlink Group 6-51-01NORAD 59511Starlink Group 6-51-02NORAD 59512Starlink Group 6-51-03NORAD 59513Starlink Group 6-51-04Re-entered 2025Starlink Group 6-51-05NORAD 59515Starlink Group 6-51-06NORAD 59516Starlink Group 6-51-07NORAD 59517Starlink Group 6-51-08Re-entered 2024
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.