IRIDIUM 23 (24906)

COSPAR: 1997-043D | Alt Name: Iridium 23
DECAYED

Image
IRIDIUM 23 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 21, 1997

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC2W

Launch Vehicle

Delta 7920-10C

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24906

International Designator

1997-043D

Decay Date

3/28/2018

Basic Satellite Info

Name

IRIDIUM 23

Alternative Name

Iridium 23

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

IRID

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
IRIDIUM 23, also known as Iridium SV023, is a communication satellite launched on August 21, 1997, from AFWTR at SLC2W using the Delta 7920-10C launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a bus configuration of LM700 and a specific design as LM-700A. It measures 3.5 meters in length, with a diameter of 1 meter and a span of 5 meters. Its dry mass is 556 kg, and it was designed to operate for 8 years. The satellite has two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Built by MOTO/LMMS, IRIDIUM 23 is owned by IRID and its purpose is communication. It has a shape described as "Box + 2 Pan" with an RCS of 3.304.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.5

Diameter

1

Span

5

Dry Mass

556

Launch Mass

662

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

3.304

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Iridium SV023

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.

Space Brief 25 Mar 2025

Space Brief 25 Mar 2025

Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.

Space Brief 26 Oct 2024

Space Brief 26 Oct 2024

Explore the recent signing of the Artemis Accords by Chile, Boeing's strategic considerations, and captivating space missions including China's satellite endeavors and the James Webb Space Telescope's latest discovery.

Space Force Eyes 1,000 Launches by 2031, New Site Required | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Eyes 1,000 Launches by 2031, New Site Required | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force projects ~1,000 launches between FY2027–FY2031, averaging 200 annually. DAF study concludes new launch site is "probably" required to absorb cadence.

Space Brief 29 Jan 2025

Space Brief 29 Jan 2025

Today's briefing covers the Space Force's plans for future launches, new initiatives in missile defense, and the latest on military and aerospace advancements.

Space Brief 31 Jan 2025

Space Brief 31 Jan 2025

Today's brief covers advancements in satellite technology initiatives by the U.S. Space Force, geopolitical implications in maritime domains, and Sweden's significant military aid package. Additionally, we spotlight a historical satellite with modern implications.

The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA

The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA

Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.

X Report 26 Apr 2025

X Report 26 Apr 2025

SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites and discusses upcoming business strategies, while T-Mobile slashes Starlink cellular prices.

Space Brief 3 Dec 2024

Space Brief 3 Dec 2024

Today's Space Brief highlights the U.S. Air Force's $48 million investment in testing reentry capsules, a Pentagon-backed GPS alternative, and the Space Force's quest for funding autonomy.