Space Brief 9 Jan 2025
Today's briefing includes new appointments in U.S. military and defense sectors, X-37B's continued mission, and international policy shifts affecting satellite technology sales.
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (34356)
COSPAR: 1997-051EY | Alt Name: deb Iridium 33
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 14, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/23
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/17S40
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
34356
International Designator
1997-051EY
Decay Date
8/2/2015
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
0.034
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 20 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers a DARPA award for Redwire's innovative satellite project, Ursa Major's expansion in defense engines, a Rocket Lab military test flight, and more.
X Report 28 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues its ambitious satellite deployment schedule with two successful Starlink launches in just 24 hours, enhancing global connectivity.
Long March 10B Debut Highlights 4-Launch Week | KeepTrack Week in Review
This week: China's Long March 10B debuted successfully, SpaceX merged with xAI, and Starlink topped 10,775 satellites in orbit.
Space Brief 9 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
The Day NASA Chose Its First Space Pioneers
Sixty-four years ago, NASA made a decision that would shape the future of human spaceflight by selecting three astronauts to compete for America's first journey into space
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile Unite vs Starlink D2D, X Report 18 May 2026
Starlink direct-to-device competition unites AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for the first time as SpaceX's 10,354 working satellites reshape mobile coverage.
SpaceX IPO Raises $75B at $135/Share on Nasdaq Debut | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's historic $75B IPO priced at $135/share launches SPCX on Nasdaq at a $1.77 trillion valuation — the largest IPO in history.