Space Brief 7 Mar 2025
Key insights from the latest SpaceX Starship breakup, the establishment of a new satellite mobile service, and enhancing America's missile shield capabilities through satellites.
Launch Date
September 8, 1998
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920-10C
NORAD ID
25471
International Designator
1998-051E
Decay Date
9/22/2017
Name
IRIDIUM 77
Alternative Name
Iridium 77
Type
Status
Owner
IRID
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
3.5
Diameter
1
Span
5
Dry Mass
556
Launch Mass
662
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
3.6685
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Iridium SV077
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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