IRIDIUM 33 DEB (34377)

COSPAR: 1997-051FV | 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

34377

International Designator

1997-051FV

Decay Date

10/22/2010

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

0.032

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 Moon Landing That Almost Didn't Happen

Six hours behind schedule, with a backup engine system shuddering in lunar orbit and mission controllers in Houston running out of options, Apollo 16 came within one meeting of being sent home without landing. The problem was a wobble in a gimbal. The solution was math done under pressure.

Space Brief 5 Oct 2025

Today's brief covers significant advancements in national security space launches, ongoing rocket developments, and critical updates from the space industry.

Space Brief 6 May 2025

Today's brief covers a significant hypersonic flight by Stratolaunch, the US Space Force's missile warning upgrades, and major government space investments.

Space Brief 20 Jan 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.

Space Brief 6 Aug 2025

Highlights of today's Space Brief include advancements in missile defense systems, a historic lunar project by NASA, and strategic military investments in satellite technology.

Space Brief 25 Dec 2025

Today's highlights include the Pentagon's report on China's military buildup, Innospace's upcoming launch plans, Starlink's rapid growth, China's significant space strides in 2025, and India's successful deployment of BlueBird 6.

Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026

How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? SpaceX passed 10,000 after the Starlink 17-24 launch, with 10,020 in orbit and 11,529 launched.

X Report 28 Feb 2025

SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.