IRIDIUM 921 (24873)

COSPAR: 1997-034E | Alt Name: Iridium 21

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

July 9, 1997

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC2W

Launch Vehicle

Delta 7920-10C

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24873

International Designator

1997-034E

Decay Date

2/13/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

IRIDIUM 921

Alternative Name

Iridium 21

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

IRID

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

IRIDIUM 921, also known as Iridium 21, is a communication satellite launched on July 9, 1997, from AFWTR SLC2W using the Delta 7920-10C launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 3.5 meters in length and 1 meter in diameter with a span of 5 meters, featuring a box shape plus two panels. It was manufactured by MOTO/LMMS as part of the LM-700A configuration based on the LM700 bus design. The satellite weighs approximately 662 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 556 kg. Equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power, it was designed to operate in orbit for an estimated eight years. The purpose of IRIDIUM 921 is communication as part of the Iridium constellation, specifically designated as Iridium SV021. It has a radar cross-section (RCS) value of 4.2155 and its owner is IRID.

Physical Characteristics

Length

3.5

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

556

Launch Mass

662

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

4.2155

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Iridium SV021

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

MOTO/LMMS

Life Expectancy

8 years

Bus

LM700

Configuration

LM-700A

Motor

Equipment

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

SpaceX Preps Seventh Starlink Launch of 2026 With 25 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX readies Starlink 17-20 launch of 25 satellites to polar orbit from Vandenberg pad 4E — seventh Starlink mission of the year. 11,009 total Starlink satellites launched to date.

Musk Outlines Starship Tower Catch Plan, February Ends With 83 Sats | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk confirms Starship V3 tower catch attempt plans with SN1 headed for ground tests. SpaceX wraps February with 83 Starlink satellites across three launches. 9,826 sats on orbit.

Space Brief 3 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers SpaceX's continued Starlink expansions, Japan's successful Michibiki satellite launch, and challenges faced by India's navigation satellite. Stay updated on crucial satellite events and launches.

Vulcan GEM 63XL Passes Static Fire; February Anomaly Still Under Investigation | KeepTrack Space Brief

Northrop Grumman's GEM 63XL solid rocket booster passed static fire testing, but ULA's investigation into a February 2026 Vulcan in-flight anomaly remains open. No RTF date set.

Space Brief 27 Oct 2024

Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.

Pentagon Pauses LEO Constellation as Acquisition Reviews Continue | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon puts LEO constellation layers on hold during acquisition review. SpaceX and xAI join $100M autonomous drone contest. China's Zenk Space completes first stage static fire.

The Dog They Never Planned to Bring Home

On April 14, 1958, Sputnik 2 burned up over the North Atlantic, carrying the remains of a stray dog from Moscow who had been dead for five months. The Soviet Union told the world she survived for days. It took forty-five years for the truth to come out.

SpaceX IPO at $1.77T as SDA Faces Consolidation | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX launches Starlink while debuting on Nasdaq at $1.77 trillion valuation. Meanwhile, Senate FY2027 NDAA would dissolve SDA into Space Force, affecting Tranche constellation tracking.