IRIDIUM 33 DEB (33859)

COSPAR: 1997-051AC | Alt Name: deb Iridium 33
DECAYED

Image
IRIDIUM 33 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 14, 1997

Launch Pad

LC81/23

Launch Vehicle

Proton-K/17S40

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

33859

International Designator

1997-051AC

Decay Date

11/28/2025

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

0.0713

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 9 Sep 2025

X Report 9 Sep 2025

Important updates include SpaceX's $19 billion spectrum deal with EchoStar, a successful super heavy booster test, and recent setbacks in launching due to poor weather.

X Report 10 May 2025

X Report 10 May 2025

SpaceX continues its rapid launch cadence by deploying 28 Starlink satellites while expanding its service with collaborations such as United Airlines and Entel in Chile.

Space Brief 12 Aug 2025

Space Brief 12 Aug 2025

Today's brief covers a groundbreaking national security mission for ULA's Vulcan, NASA's collaboration with LeoLabs for enhanced collision avoidance, and SEOPS' new satellite tracking services, among other key developments.

Pentagon Seeks Commercially Built GEO Spy Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Seeks Commercially Built GEO Spy Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon's DIU seeks commercial partners for GEO spy satellites. SpaceX unveils space traffic management system. Bahamas rocket landings resume. GPS III falls short in modern warfare.

SpaceX Acquires xAI, Starlink Bypasses Iran Internet Blackouts | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Acquires xAI, Starlink Bypasses Iran Internet Blackouts | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX acquires xAI to develop orbital data centers. Starlink terminals bypass Iran's government internet blackouts. Blue Origin escalates defense procurement criticism.

Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon requests $8 billion for space-based moving target tracking constellation in FY2027 budget. New NORAD IDs expected as Space Force expands orbital ISR capabilities.

Space Brief 18 Sep 2025

Space Brief 18 Sep 2025

Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.

The Day Superpowers Shared Space

The Day Superpowers Shared Space

Exactly 52 years ago today, the Soviet Union launched Soyuz 13 - a scientific mission that marked the first time American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts orbited Earth simultaneously. Armed with a revolutionary ultraviolet telescope, Pyotr Klimuk and Valentin Lebedev would discover elements never before seen in distant nebulae.