IRIDIUM 33 DEB (34352)

COSPAR: 1997-051EU | Alt Name: deb Iridium 33

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 14, 1997

Launch Site

Tyuratam Missile and Space Complex

Launch Pad

LC81/23

Launch Vehicle

Proton-K/17S40

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

34352

International Designator

1997-051EU

Decay Date

9/21/2012

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.039

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 Day Humanity's First Modular Space Station Reached Orbit

Thirty-nine years ago, a Proton rocket carried the core of the Mir space station into orbit, launching an unprecedented era of continuous human presence in space and international cooperation

Booster 20 Fires All 33 Engines in Record Test | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX completed a full 33-engine static fire on Booster 20, the longest duration test to date. The milestone clears a major hurdle before the next Starship flight attempt.

Trump Asks Musk About Starlink for Iran Internet Blackout | KeepTrack X Report

Trump approaches Elon Musk about restoring Iran internet via Starlink during government blackout. SpaceX completes fifth launch of 2026 with 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral.

SpaceX Launches 500th Starlink Satellite of 2026, Microsoft Partnership Announced | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launches 500th Starlink satellite of 2026 on 540th reused booster flight. Microsoft partners with Starlink for rural internet expansion. NASA reveals first ISS medical evacuation details.

Space Brief 6 Dec 2024

Today's brief covers various military applications of climate-monitoring satellites, new defense strategies against unmanned threats, and the potential impacts of geopolitical tensions on orbit.

Pentagon Reveals Space & Cyber "First Mover" Role in Iran Operations | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space & Cyber Command disrupted Iran ops as US munition stockpiles drop. Space Force shifts to commercial ground stations & faces acquisition workforce gaps.

Understanding Space Debris

From shattered satellites to exploded rocket stages, space debris poses a growing risk to satellites, space stations, and astronauts. Here's a deep dive into what causes space debris, notable generating events, and what we're doing about it.

Block 3 Starship Prep Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX accelerates Block 3 Starship pad work at Starbase as Russia preps Soyuz-5 debut alongside Falcon 9 internet satellite launches.