X Report 15 Dec 2025
SpaceX made significant strides in satellite deployment with successful launches of 27 and 29 Starlink satellites, marking both a milestone in landings and ongoing expansion of the Starlink constellation.
IRIDIUM 53 (25173)
COSPAR: 1998-010E | Alt Name: Iridium 53
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 18, 1998
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920-10C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25173
International Designator
1998-010E
Decay Date
9/30/2018
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRIDIUM 53
Alternative Name
Iridium 53
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
IRID
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
IRIDIUM 53 is a communication satellite launched on February 18, 1998, from AFWTR SLC2W using a 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. It weighs 662 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 556 kg. The satellite is configured as LM-700A, manufactured by MOTO/LMMS for the owner IRID (Iridium LLC). Its power source consists of two deployable solar arrays and batteries, designed to support its communication mission over an expected lifetime 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
3.6591
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Iridium SV053
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.
X Report 13 Mar 2025
SpaceX scrubs Crew-10 launch due to hydraulics issue; successful Falcon 9 launch for NASA missions, and Texas supports SpaceX expansion.
X Report 24 Apr 2025
SpaceX continues its historic launch cadence, includes Starlink expansion and business strategies in focus.
Space Brief 20 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers a DARPA award for Redwire's innovative satellite project, Ursa Major's expansion in defense engines, a Rocket Lab military test flight, and more.
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.
X Report 31 Oct 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 100th Starlink launch while refining its lunar lander design for NASA's Artemis program amidst calls for architectural changes.
Space Brief 27 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include new space-based interceptor developments, a UK space tracking partnership, a strategic satellite imagery alliance, and more.
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.