Space Brief 11 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights pivotal defense budget evaluations, Lithuania's growing defense connections, the first CubeSat for ESA's Ramses mission, and the one-year milestone of the Aries satellite in orbit.
IRIDIUM 31 (24950)
COSPAR: 1997-051G | Alt Name: Iridium 31
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 14, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/23
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/17S40
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24950
International Designator
1997-051G
Decay Date
12/20/2018
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRIDIUM 31
Alternative Name
Iridium 31
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
IRID
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
IRIDIUM 31 is a communication satellite with the NORAD catalog ID of 24950 and OBJECT_ID 1997-051G, manufactured by MOTO/LMMS in the US. Launched on September 14, 1997, from TYMSC LC81/23 using a Proton-K/17S40 launch vehicle, this LM700 satellite has a configuration of LM-700A and is equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite's dimensions are 3.5 meters in length, 1 meter in diameter, and spans 5 meters, with a dry mass of 556 kilograms and an initial launch mass of 662 kilograms. Its shape consists of a box structure plus two panels, and it has a reflectivity cross-section (RCS) of 3.5519 m². The mission's purpose is communication, with a lifetime expectancy of 8 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.5
Diameter
1
Span
5
Dry Mass
556
Launch Mass
662
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
3.5519
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Iridium SV031
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 12 Feb 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink missions, Satellogic's contract with Brazilian Air Force, OCX, and ATLAS project updates, and DARPA's insights on cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
X Report 23 Dec 2024
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking another milestone in its satellite internet constellation. The Falcon 9 rocket was also successfully recovered at sea.
SpaceX Lofts 45 Payloads Including Korean CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rideshare lifted 45 satellites including South Korea's CAS500-2 Earth observer from Vandenberg at 0700 UTC May 3.
Falcon Heavy Launches ViaSat-3 F3, Space Brief 27 Apr 2026
Falcon Heavy launched ViaSat-3 F3 on April 27, its 12th flight, with the first dual landing zone recovery. Plus Soyuz-5's demo flight nears at Baikonur.
Space Brief 10 May 2025
Today's brief covers Rocket Lab's Neutron being selected for military tests, Space Force's strategic updates, Germany's SAR satellite plans, and a significant NASA nomination.
X Report 7 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while EchoStar enhances its stake in the company through a $2.6 billion spectrum deal, amid growing demands for space domain awareness.
Space Brief 5 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers developments in US military space initiatives, advancements in missile technology, and notable military contractor activities.