Space Brief 8 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of the Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, major Pentagon contracts for solid rocket motors and hypersonic testing, and the US Space Force's record-setting year of launches.
Launch Date
September 14, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/23
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/17S40
NORAD ID
35484
International Designator
1997-051QE
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:54:43 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
86.34°
Right Ascension
256.72°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
117.16°
Period
94.90 min
Mean Motion
15.17 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
IRIDIUM 33 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Iridium 33
Type
Status
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 35484U 97051QE 26183.45466678 .00050881 00000-0 25216-2 0 9992
2 35484 86.3432 256.7170 0015242 117.1604 243.1194 15.17436611650565
Source: Celestrak
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.008
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's highlights include China's launch of the Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, major Pentagon contracts for solid rocket motors and hypersonic testing, and the US Space Force's record-setting year of launches.
SpaceX gears up for Starship's ninth flight with a reused booster, Fram2 astronauts share stunning orbital views, and SpaceX secures new NASA contracts for the Starship.
How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? 10,087 working of 10,097 on orbit, 11,612 launched to date, per KeepTrack data.
SpaceX successfully launched the Transporter-14 mission, adding multiple payloads, including Canadian satellites and a memorial capsule, while Starlink expands its services in Vietnam and enhances T-Mobile's reach.
Six hours behind schedule, with a backup engine system shuddering in lunar orbit and mission controllers in Houston running out of options, Apollo 16 came within one meeting of being sent home without landing. The problem was a wobble in a gimbal. The solution was math done under pressure.
Today's brief covers China's Yaogan-43 satellite launch, delays in ESA's BepiColombo mission, regulatory approval for OHB's KKR deal, and an upcoming Sentinel-2C launch.
Today's brief covers SpaceX's continued Starlink expansions, Japan's successful Michibiki satellite launch, and challenges faced by India's navigation satellite. Stay updated on crucial satellite events and launches.
SpaceX continues to push forward with its ambitious plans as the FAA investigates Starship debris reports, while Starlink maintains robust satellite operations.