Space Brief 3 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include China's remote-sensing satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's investment in missile-tracking satellites, and NASA's MAVEN milestone on Mars.
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (33771)
COSPAR: 1997-051J | Alt Name: deb Iridium 33
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
33771
International Designator
1997-051J
Decay Date
3/19/2014
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRIDIUM 33 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Iridium 33
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.2268
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 23 Nov 2025
SpaceX continues its robust launch cadence with new Starlink deployments and faces challenges in Starship development following the recent damage to its prototype booster.
Space Brief 2 Sep 2024
Key topics: SpaceX resumes Falcon 9 launches, mysterious Starliner sounds, and upcoming space policy events. Detailed tracking info for EGYPTSAT A.
Starlink 10-50 Launches With Semiconductor Payload Aboard | KeepTrack X Report
A Falcon 9 lifted off from SLC-40 at 6:50 a.m. EDT carrying Starlink satellites and Besxar Space Industries semiconductor test pods.
User-Inspired Update
A user suggestion led to the addition of new visualizations for satellites, debris, and unidentified objects across different orbits in KeepTrack.
Space Brief 25 Sep 2025
Discover the latest developments in space defense, innovative satellite technologies, nuclear advancements in space travel, and strategic military updates.
SpaceX Wins $739M for Nine National Security Launches, FCC Adds 7,500 Starlink Sats | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX awarded $739M for nine national security missions. FCC approves 7,500 additional Starlink satellites. NASA announces early Crew-11 return from ISS due to medical issue.
The NASA Budget Proposal That Nobody Asked For (Again)
The White House wants to cut NASA's science budget nearly in half for the second year running. Administrator Jared Isaacman says it's enough. Congress already rejected this exact idea once.