Astroscale Taps Isar for ELSA-M Debris Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Astroscale selects Isar Aerospace to launch ELSA-M, a commercial deorbit mission targeting defunct satellites in LEO. Over 20,000 trackable debris objects now in orbit.
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (34869)
COSPAR: 1997-051MP | 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
34869
International Designator
1997-051MP
Decay Date
4/30/2024
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
0.0128
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.
NROL-72 Spy Satellites Launched; Starlink PNT Blocked | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's 13th NRO proliferated-arch mission lifted off May 11 as Starlink shuts its GPS-rival feature ahead of a looming IPO.
X Report 1 Dec 2024
SpaceX continues its collaboration with the NRO, while gearing up for lunar missions and a contract for NASA's Dragonfly mission to Titan.
Musk Addresses Orbital Data Center Crowding Fears | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk pushed back on orbital crowding concerns as SpaceX eyes data centers in space, with 10,584 Starlink satellites currently operational.
Space Brief 2 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's classified Shijian-28 satellite launch, AI-designed spacecraft records, and upcoming global launch activities.
X Report 27 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully completes a critical test flight of its Starship vehicle while gearing up for another Starlink satellite launch, showcasing significant advancements in their launch capabilities.
X Report 8 Dec 2024
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites, enhancing Direct to Cell capabilities from Florida's Space Coast.
Reentry
What happens when space objects come home: the fiery physics of returning from orbit and why predicting where debris lands is so difficult