Space Brief 18 Oct 2024
Explore exciting updates on satellite reentries impacting Earth's atmosphere, China's ambitious space exploration plans, and the latest advancements in the search for extraterrestrial life.
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (34496)
COSPAR: 1997-051GM | 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
34496
International Designator
1997-051GM
Decay Date
9/8/2023
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
0.0167
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.
Firefly Alpha Returns to Flight After Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Firefly Aerospace launches return-to-flight Firefly Alpha on March 10 after Flight 6 anomaly. SpaceX also launches EchoStar 25 GEO satellite and multiple Starlink batches this week.
X Report 1 Mar 2025
FAA greenlights Flight 8 of SpaceX's Starship while senators examine Air Force nominee's ties to the company.
X Report 27 Sep 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides in both its Starship program and Starlink satellite deployments, with a successful launch of 24 Starlink satellites and preparations for upcoming missions.
X Report 17 Mar 2025
SpaceX's Crew-10 mission safely docks with the ISS, setting up for a crew rotation. Starlink continues its global expansion with additional satellite deployments.
Iran Strikes UAE and Saudi Targets, Space Force Opens Tracking to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Iran launches drones and missiles at UAE and Saudi targets. Space Force opens secretive tracking data to commercial firms. Falcon 9 breakup linked to lithium pollution in upper atmosphere.
New Glenn Damaged in Hotfire Anomaly at LC-36 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn suffered a damaging anomaly during hotfire testing at Launch Complex 36, grounding the heavy-lift rocket indefinitely with no return-to-flight timeline announced.
Space Brief 26 Nov 2025
Today's update covers new military space initiatives, impacts of drone threats in Europe, and advancements in secure cloud technology for NATO and Ukraine.