IRIDIUM 33 DEB (34868)

COSPAR: 1997-051MN | 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

34868

International Designator

1997-051MN

Decay Date

10/27/2023

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

0.0139

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 $1.5 Million Starlink Jammer That Ukraine Keeps Blowing Up

The $1.5 Million Starlink Jammer That Ukraine Keeps Blowing Up

Russia's Volna Kupol Garant electronic warfare system was purpose-built to jam Starlink. It costs around $1.5 million per unit, covers just 20 square kilometers, and can only target one satellite at a time. Ukraine has been finding and destroying them within days of deployment.

Space Brief 15 May 2025

Space Brief 15 May 2025

Today's brief highlights a nuclear battery startup's funding boost, advisory board additions in the space sector, and key military updates impacting space operations.

Space Brief 18 Feb 2025

Space Brief 18 Feb 2025

Today's briefs cover SpaceX landing a Falcon 9 in The Bahamas, first disabled astronaut prepped for a mission, and key company updates from Blue Origin and K2 Space.

NASA Tests Artemis 2 Fueling, Saudi Unveils DebriSolver Winners | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA Tests Artemis 2 Fueling, Saudi Unveils DebriSolver Winners | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA conducts critical Artemis 2 rocket fueling test. Saudi Space Agency announces global DebriSolver competition winners. SpaceX and Bezos push orbital data center plans.

Orion Crew Returns After Historic Lunar Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief

Orion Crew Returns After Historic Lunar Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2's four-person crew splashed down April 10 after first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17. Orion performance data critical for Artemis 3 south pole landing planning.

X Report 13 Jul 2025

X Report 13 Jul 2025

SpaceX successfully launched an Israeli satellite and remains on track for its upcoming Crew-11 mission while continuing to engage in mystery satellite launches.

Kulasekarapattinam SSLV Launch Complex

Kulasekarapattinam SSLV Launch Complex

India's second spaceport solves a geometry problem. How ISRO is building a dedicated small satellite facility that eliminates the costly dogleg maneuvers plaguing polar launches from Sriharikota.

X Report 23 Nov 2025

X Report 23 Nov 2025

SpaceX continues its robust launch cadence with new Starlink deployments and faces challenges in Starship development following the recent damage to its prototype booster.