IRIDIUM 33 DEB (33876)

COSPAR: 1997-051AV | 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

33876

International Designator

1997-051AV

Decay Date

7/1/2022

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

0.0683

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.

Space Brief 12 Nov 2024

Space Brief 12 Nov 2024

Latest updates include China's Lijian-1 launching 15 satellites, a fiery Starlink reentry, SpaceX's milestone Falcon 9 booster landing, and China's support for its commercial space sector.

Space Brief 17 Dec 2023

Space Brief 17 Dec 2023

Rocket Lab's successful Electron return to flight, China's third Shenlong mission, lessons from Virgin Orbit's failure in the UK, Hubble's 30-year post-repair anniversary, and a summary of recent global launches.

Block 3 Starship Pad Work Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

Block 3 Starship Pad Work Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX engineers are overhauling Starbase launch infrastructure for Block 3 Starships as Falcon 9 prepares another Starlink batch run.

X Report 17 Nov 2025

X Report 17 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the Sentinel-6B satellite, marking a significant milestone as its 500th mission with a reused rocket, furthering global sea level monitoring efforts.

Space Brief 29 Jan 2025

Space Brief 29 Jan 2025

Today's briefing covers the Space Force's plans for future launches, new initiatives in missile defense, and the latest on military and aerospace advancements.

Space Brief 15 Jan 2025

Space Brief 15 Jan 2025

Focus on Varda's second mission launch, new U.S. Defense Department tool for satellite anomaly investigation, and a detailed Satellite Spotlight on CELESTIS 21/Varisat 1C.

China's Shenlong Spaceplane Releases Mystery Object | KeepTrack Space Brief

China's Shenlong Spaceplane Releases Mystery Object | KeepTrack Space Brief

China's Shenlong spaceplane released an unidentified object in orbit, drawing scrutiny amid U.S. Space Force Victus Haze RPO demonstrations. Tracking data critical.

SpaceX Hits 50 Launches, Falcon Heavy Scrub, X Report 28 Apr 2026

SpaceX Hits 50 Launches, Falcon Heavy Scrub, X Report 28 Apr 2026

SpaceX hit 50 launches in 2026 on April 26. Falcon Heavy's ViaSat-3 mission, only its 12th flight, scrubbed on weather at Kennedy; new date pending.