IRIDIUM 33 DEB (34109)

COSPAR: 1997-051DU | 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

34109

International Designator

1997-051DU

Decay Date

7/7/2012

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

0.072

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.

The Looming Crisis of Orbital Debris

The Looming Crisis of Orbital Debris

As humanity increasingly relies on satellites, the escalating space junk problem poses a dire threat to our space-based infrastructure. With debris counts reaching alarming levels, urgent action is needed to prevent a cascade of collisions that could make key orbits unusable.

X Report 18 Jul 2025

X Report 18 Jul 2025

Elon Musk provided updates on the anticipated Starship Flight 10, along with insights on SpaceX's progress at Cape Canaveral. Key developments include target timelines for upcoming launches and ongoing efforts in Starship's development.

Space Brief 15 May 2025

Space Brief 15 May 2025

Today's brief highlights a nuclear battery startup's funding boost, advisory board additions in the space sector, and key military updates impacting space operations.

Starlink Adds $10/Mo Hardware Fee & Price Hike | KeepTrack X Report

Starlink Adds $10/Mo Hardware Fee & Price Hike | KeepTrack X Report

Starlink shifts to monthly hardware rental fees while SpaceX preps Booster 20 for Flight 13 — 10,558 satellites now operational worldwide.

Pentagon Orders 30,000 One-Way Drones; Sierra Space Raises $550M | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Orders 30,000 One-Way Drones; Sierra Space Raises $550M | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon to order 30,000 attritable drones within days via Gauntlet competition. Meanwhile, Sierra Space closes $550M Series C funding round for national security spaceplane applications.

Falcon 9 Lands in Bahamas for 2nd Time, Reentry Pollution Measured | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 Lands in Bahamas for 2nd Time, Reentry Pollution Measured | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX lands Falcon 9 in The Bahamas for the second time ever during Starlink 10-34 mission. Scientists measure rocket reentry air pollution in real-time for the first time.

GAO Flags Risks in SDA Missile-Tracking Satellites, Lawmakers Push GPS Anti-Jam | KeepTrack Space Brief

GAO Flags Risks in SDA Missile-Tracking Satellites, Lawmakers Push GPS Anti-Jam | KeepTrack Space Brief

GAO warns SDA missile-tracking satellite program overestimates tech readiness. SPACECOM pushes expanded on-orbit warfighting exercises. Congress advocates for enhanced GPS anti-jam capabilities.

Falcon Heavy Launches ViaSat-3 F3, Space Brief 27 Apr 2026

Falcon Heavy Launches ViaSat-3 F3, Space Brief 27 Apr 2026

Falcon Heavy launched ViaSat-3 F3 on April 27, its 12th flight, with the first dual landing zone recovery. Plus Soyuz-5's demo flight nears at Baikonur.