IRIDIUM 33 DEB (34517)

COSPAR: 1997-051HJ | 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

34517

International Designator

1997-051HJ

Decay Date

1/8/2023

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

0.0473

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.

X Report 14 Dec 2024

X Report 14 Dec 2024

SpaceX advances with Starship readiness, scrubs mysterious RRT-1 launch, and successfully deploys more Starlink satellites.

Space Brief 3 Apr 2025

Space Brief 3 Apr 2025

Dive into the latest developments including U.S. national security launch contracts, penalties for drone violations at military bases, and emerging European launch providers.

The Day Superpowers Shared Space

The Day Superpowers Shared Space

Exactly 52 years ago today, the Soviet Union launched Soyuz 13 - a scientific mission that marked the first time American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts orbited Earth simultaneously. Armed with a revolutionary ultraviolet telescope, Pyotr Klimuk and Valentin Lebedev would discover elements never before seen in distant nebulae.

X Report 15 Sep 2025

X Report 15 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched Northrop Grumman's new Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft to the ISS, marking a significant advancement in cargo delivery capabilities.

X Report 12 Jun 2025

X Report 12 Jun 2025

Today, SpaceX faced delays in launching the Ax-4 mission due to a booster leak, while Starlink made strides towards launching in India with new telecom license approval.

The Day Two Astronauts Proved We Could Reach the Moon

The Day Two Astronauts Proved We Could Reach the Moon

Sixty years ago, Frank Borman and James Lovell launched aboard Gemini 7 for a grueling 14-day mission that would prove humans could endure the journey to the moon and achieve the first true rendezvous in space

Starship Barge Spotted for Component Transport to Kennedy Space Center | KeepTrack X Report

Starship Barge Spotted for Component Transport to Kennedy Space Center | KeepTrack X Report

Starship transport barge identified for shipping components from Starbase to Kennedy Space Center. Starlink's 2025 report shows 4.6M new customers and expansion to 35 new regions.

X Report 27 Jun 2025

X Report 27 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites while facing new competition for its satellite programs, including potential alternatives for the Space Force.