IRIDIUM 33 DEB (35481)

COSPAR: 1997-051QB | 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

35481

International Designator

1997-051QB

Decay Date

3/22/2013

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

0.0081

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.

New Glenn Damaged in Hotfire Anomaly at LC-36 | KeepTrack Space Brief

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 27 Aug 2024

Space Brief 27 Aug 2024

Today's highlights include the destruction of ABL Space Systems' rocket due to engine leaks, Firefly Aerospace's lunar lander pre-launch tests, and insights on U.S. military's space domain awareness enhancements.

X Report 24 May 2025

X Report 24 May 2025

SpaceX experiences a setback with Starship Flight 8 while continuing its Starlink deployment efforts with a successful launch from California.

25 Starlinks Lift Off from Vandenberg in Latest Batch | KeepTrack X Report

25 Starlinks Lift Off from Vandenberg in Latest Batch | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launched 25 more Starlink satellites from Vandenberg SFB on March 8, 2026, pushing the active constellation toward 9,914 working spacecraft.

South Korea Plans Defense Satellite Constellation With Hanwha Systems | KeepTrack Space Brief

South Korea Plans Defense Satellite Constellation With Hanwha Systems | KeepTrack Space Brief

Hanwha Systems in talks with MDA Space and Telesat for South Korean defense satellite constellation. SpaceX preps GPS satellite launch for Space Force. Seismic networks now track space junk reentry.

Space Brief 6 Oct 2025

Space Brief 6 Oct 2025

Today's highlights include Firefly's acquisition of SciTec, DARPA's vision for a moon economy, and ESA's new deep space antenna in Australia. Stay updated on the latest in space intelligence and defense technology transformations, plus noteworthy rogue planet phenomena.

Blue Origin's New Glenn Explodes During Ground Test | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn Explodes During Ground Test | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during ground testing May 28, visible from hundreds of miles across Florida. Fireball halts vehicle pending failure investigation.

Space Brief 15 Nov 2025

Space Brief 15 Nov 2025

Today's highlights include recent missile deals impacting military satellite launches, a Navy salvage operation in the South China Sea, and defense updates from the Manama Dialogue 2025.