Space Brief 22 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include ExoMars' successful parachute test, developments in military satellite systems, and leadership changes at NASA Goddard.
IRIDIUM 48 (25107)
COSPAR: 1997-082D | Alt Name: Iridium 48
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 20, 1997
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920-10C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25107
International Designator
1997-082D
Decay Date
5/5/2001
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRIDIUM 48
Alternative Name
Iridium 48
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
IRID
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
IRIDIUM 48 is a communication satellite identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 25107 and OBJECT_ID 1997-082D. Launched on December 20, 1997, from AFWTR launch site SLC2W using Delta 7920-10C as the launch vehicle, it was manufactured by MOTO/LMMS with a configuration known as LM-700A for the US. The satellite has dimensions of 3.5 meters in length and a diameter of 1 meter with a span of 5 meters. It had a dry mass of 556 kg and launched at a total mass of 662 kg, equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its mission is communication purposes and it has an expected lifetime of 8 years. The satellite's shape consists of a box with two panels, and its radar cross-section (RCS) value is 7.8284 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.5
Diameter
1
Span
5
Dry Mass
556
Launch Mass
662
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
7.8284
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Iridium SV048
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
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