IRIDIUM 20 (25577)

COSPAR: 1998-074A | Alt Name: Iridium 20A

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 19, 1998

Launch Site

TAISC

Launch Pad

LC7

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

25577

International Designator

1998-074A

Decay Date

10/22/2018

Basic Satellite Info

Name

IRIDIUM 20

Alternative Name

Iridium 20A

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

IRID

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

IRIDIUM 20 (also known as Iridium 20A) is a communication satellite with NORAD Catalog ID 25577 and OBJECT_ID 1998-074A, manufactured by MOTO under the LM700 BUS configuration. Launched on December 19, 1998, from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TAISC) using a Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 3.5 meters in length and 1 meter in diameter with a span of 5 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 556 kg, and its launch mass was 667 kg. It uses two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as Box + 2 Pan with an RCS of 3.6949 m². Its mission is to provide communication services, operating in a low Earth orbit with an expected lifetime of 8 years.

Physical Characteristics

Length

3.5

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

556

Launch Mass

667

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

3.6949

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Iridium SV088

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

MOTO

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.

Katalyst Link Clears Tests for $500M SPARCS Rescue | KeepTrack Space Brief

Katalyst's Link spacecraft passes key testing milestone ahead of June 2026 launch to rescue NASA's $500M SPARCS telescope. In-space servicing mission will create trackable conjunction risk during approach and docking phase.

Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit

SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.

B1067 Sets 36-Flight Booster Record on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report

Booster B1067 hit 36 flights on July 9, while SpaceX files to expand Starlink to 100,000 satellites at 4,400 lbs each.

X Report 7 Oct 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites on October 7, further expanding its broadband constellation while hosting an active launch schedule this week.

Ku-Band

The frequency band that brought satellite TV to small dishes on rooftops and revolutionized direct-to-home broadcasting

Space Brief 14 Sep 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's 300th Starlink launch, NASA re-establishing contact with a TRACERS satellite, and budget concerns impacting the commercial remote sensing industry.

Space Brief 12 Dec 2024

U.S. Space Force's Europe operations amidst Ukraine conflict, Maxar's new partnership, integration of military and commercial tech, and the Pentagon's new AI initiatives shape today's space discourse.

X Report 22 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking another milestone for their ongoing deployment efforts.