IRIDIUM 33 DEB (34695)

COSPAR: 1997-051KS | 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

34695

International Designator

1997-051KS

Decay Date

4/18/2009

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

0.0028

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.

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.

Starship V3 Targets May 19 Debut; FCC OKs $2.4B Spectrum Deal | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship V3's first flight from Pad 2 as the FCC approves a $2.4B EchoStar spectrum deal for Starlink D2D.

The Day Destiny Changed the Space Station Forever

Twenty-four years ago, two spacewalking astronauts battled an ammonia leak while installing the U.S. Laboratory module Destiny, transforming the International Space Station from a construction site to a world-class research facility

X Report 14 Dec 2025

On December 14, 2025, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone with its 550th booster landing following the launch of 27 new Starlink satellites, while exploring potential IPO strategies to fund future projects.

Space Brief 27 Dec 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.

SpaceX IPO Surges 20%; China Debuts Tallest Rocket | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX shares jump 20% on first trading day after historic IPO. China launches tallest rocket while LandSpace preps second landing attempt. Tracking data.

DAF Space Restructure Announced Within Days, PAE Leaders Named | KeepTrack Space Brief

Department of Air Force announces finalized Program Acquisition Executive structure within days, reshaping oversight of GPS, SBIRS, and Protected Tactical Satcom systems.

Space Force Activates Cyber Squadrons at Launch Sites | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force stands up 2 cyber defense squadrons at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg to protect launch operations against adversary interference targeting pad networks and telemetry systems.