# Starlink-35956 > Starlink constellation satellite which suffered a disabling debris event in 2025 **Wikidata**: [Q137585563](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137585563) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/starlink-35956 ## Summary Starlink-35956 is a satellite operated by the United States [1]. It functions as part of the Starlink satellite constellation, providing global broadband internet services [1]. The satellite was launched and is maintained under U.S. regulatory and operational frameworks [1]. Its orbital parameters and technical specifications are managed by SpaceX under U.S. federal oversight [1]. ## Summary Starlink-35956 was a United States communications satellite operated by SpaceX as part of the Starlink constellation. Launched on November 23, 2025, the spacecraft was disabled less than a month later due to a confirmed anomalous debris event on December 18, 2025. U.S. Space Forces-Space verified the incident occurred at approximately 01:40 UTC, though they assessed there was no risk to the International Space Station. ## Key Facts * **Classification:** Communications satellite (instance of). * **Operator/Manufacturer:** SpaceX. * **COSPAR ID:** 2025-271N. * **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 66629. * **Launch Date:** November 23, 2025, at 08:48:00 UTC. * **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. * **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1100). * **Mass:** Approximately 525 kilograms. * **Debris Event:** Occurred circa December 18, 2025, at 01:40 UTC. * **Status:** Dissolved/lost following the debris event. ## FAQs ### Q: What happened to Starlink-35956? A: The satellite suffered an "anomalous debris event" on December 18, 2025, resulting in a loss of communication and debris generation. U.S. Space Forces-Space confirmed the incident likely occurred at 01:40 UTC. ### Q: Was the debris from Starlink-35956 a danger to the International Space Station? A: No. According to U.S. Space Forces-Space (S4S), there was no assessed risk to the International Space Station (ISS) following the event. ### Q: When and how was Starlink-35956 launched? A: The satellite was launched on November 23, 2025, using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. ## Why It Matters Starlink-35956 represents a significant instance of satellite loss within the rapidly expanding Starlink mega-constellation. Launched in late 2025, this spacecraft—identified as a v2-mini variant with a mass of approximately 525 kg—was part of SpaceX's effort to provide global broadband coverage. Its failure just 25 days after launch highlights the operational risks and debris hazards associated with deploying thousands of satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The event triggered an immediate alert from U.S. Space Forces-Space (S4S), illustrating the increasing burden on space surveillance networks to track and manage anomalous events in crowded orbital shells. While the specific cause of the "anomalous debris event" was listed as under analysis, the loss of the satellite contributes to the statistical failure rate of large constellations and underscores the importance of robust debris mitigation strategies. The incident serves as a case study for orbital safety experts monitoring the interaction between commercial mega-constellations and critical space infrastructure like the ISS. ## Notable For * **Short Operational Lifespan:** The satellite was operational for less than one month (Nov 23 to Dec 18, 2025). * **Confirmed Debris Event:** It is specifically cited for suffering a disabling debris event confirmed by military tracking (U.S. Space Forces-Space). * **Specific Tracking Identity:** It is uniquely identified by the Satellite Catalog Number 66629 and COSPAR ID 2025-271N. * **v2-Mini Variant:** The satellite represents the "v2-mini" class of Starlink satellites, distinct from earlier iterations. ## Body ### Mission Profile and Specifications Starlink-35956 was a communications satellite manufactured and operated by SpaceX. As part of the Starlink "Group 11-30" (also designated G11-30-13), it belonged to the second generation of Starlink technology, specifically the "v2-mini" variant. * **Mass:** Approximately 525 kilograms. * **Power:** Powered by two spacecraft solar arrays. * **Propulsion:** Utilized an ion thruster for orbital maneuvering. * **Orbit:** Designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The satellite was launched from the United States at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East on November 23, 2025. The launch vehicle was a Falcon 9 Block 5, utilizing booster B1100 for its first flight (B1100.1). ### Anomalous Debris Event On December 18, 2025, U.S. Space Forces-Space (S4S) detected an anomalous event involving Starlink-35956. * **Time of Event:** The debris event likely occurred at 01:40 UTC on December 18, 2025. * **Confirmation:** S4S released an alert box (archived on 2025-12-25) confirming the incident and noting that analysis was ongoing. * **Consequence:** SpaceX lost contact with the satellite, and it was categorized as "dissolved, abolished, or demolished" on that date. * **Risk Assessment:** Official sources confirmed that the debris generated posed no assessed risk to the International Space Station (ISS). The event was reported by multiple tracking entities, including Space-Track.org and Reuters, citing both official government tracking data and SpaceX communications. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/starlink-v2-mini.htm) 2. Space-Track 3. CelesTrak 4. Jonathan's Space Report 5. [Source](https://www.space-track.org/) 6. Starlink. 2025 7. [SpaceX loses contact with Starlink satellite after mishap. Reuters. 2025](https://www.reuters.com/science/starlink-says-it-has-lost-communication-with-one-its-satellites-2025-12-18/) 8. [A SpaceX Starlink satellite is tumbling and falling out of space after partial breakup in orbit. 2025](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/a-spacex-starlink-satellite-is-tumbling-and-falling-out-of-space-after-partial-breakup-in-orbit)