Space Brief 10 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of a mystery spysat, Maxar's terrain data for U.S. Army systems, and multiple U.S. defense firms enhancing satellite capabilities.
Launch Date
September 14, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/23
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/17S40
NORAD ID
34100
International Designator
1997-051DK
Decay Date
8/13/2015
Name
IRIDIUM 33 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Iridium 33
Type
Status
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.054
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's highlights include China's launch of a mystery spysat, Maxar's terrain data for U.S. Army systems, and multiple U.S. defense firms enhancing satellite capabilities.
Today's Space Brief covers major developments including the public debut of Voyager Technologies, advancements in defense by Sierra Space, and Pentagon's mega-constellation challenges. Also featured are new software selections by the Space Force and legislative actions on acquisition pilots.
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SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship V3's first flight from Pad 2 as the FCC approves a $2.4B EchoStar spectrum deal for Starlink D2D.
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft encounters thruster problems and helium leaks during its first crewed mission, potentially delaying the return of NASA astronauts from the International Space Station.
Northrop Grumman takes $71M charge over Vulcan solid rocket booster anomaly, grounding ULA's vehicle. Vulcan manifest timelines now in holding pattern pending resolution.
Starbase Pad 2 passes water-cooled deck test ahead of Booster 19. Starlink restrictions disrupt Russian battlefield communications. California city weighs banning Musk companies.
SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch boosts their constellation and Starship development progresses steadily.