IRIDIUM 33 DEB (33968)

COSPAR: 1997-051CD | 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

33968

International Designator

1997-051CD

Decay Date

10/8/2011

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

0.057

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 1 Jul 2025

X Report 1 Jul 2025

SpaceX gears up for an exciting July with a doubleheader launch planned for the east coast and ongoing advancements in Starlink technology.

The Day America Reached Orbit

The Day America Reached Orbit

Sixty-three years ago, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth, piloting Friendship 7 through three historic orbits that transformed the Space Race

Artemis 2 Crew Returns After 50-Year Lunar Milestone | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 Crew Returns After 50-Year Lunar Milestone | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 splashdown marks first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. Four astronauts completed historic mission, validating systems for Artemis 3 landing attempt.

X Report 18 Jun 2025

X Report 18 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while preparing for the upcoming Ax-4 mission to the ISS. Significant progress continues in their ongoing space endeavors.

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.

Space Brief 8 Nov 2025

Space Brief 8 Nov 2025

Today's Space Brief covers major developments in Pentagon procurement methods, strategic satellite intelligence advancements, and increasing interest in drone technology within the defense sector.

Space Brief 11 Feb 2025

Space Brief 11 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include the debut of a new Chinese rocket, a successful Starlink launch, and concerns about Artemis 3. We also cover DoD developments and a notable SpaceX milestone.

Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief

Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Dragon berthed ISS with 6,500 pounds of cargo May 17. China's Zenk Space raised $26M, targeting June for Zhihang-1 rocket's orbital debut.