IRIDIUM 33 DEB (35856)

COSPAR: 1997-051TG | 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

35856

International Designator

1997-051TG

Decay Date

3/27/2023

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

0.007

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.

CelesTrak.org

CelesTrak.org

An in-depth look at CelesTrak, the leading non-profit provider of orbital element sets and collision assessment tools, trusted by space professionals worldwide.

X Report 7 Oct 2025

X Report 7 Oct 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites on October 7, further expanding its broadband constellation while hosting an active launch schedule this week.

SDA Awards $1.75B for Golden Dome Missile Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

SDA Awards $1.75B for Golden Dome Missile Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

SDA hands L3Harris and Sierra Space $1.75B to build missile warning satellites for Pentagon's Golden Dome shield, targeting 2028 demonstration under accelerated schedule.

Growing Threat of Space Junk

Growing Threat of Space Junk

Over 27,000 high-speed pieces of space junk now threaten vital satellites, requiring sophisticated tracking and urgent innovation of orbital debris removal methods like harpoons and nets.

X Report 12 Jul 2025

X Report 12 Jul 2025

SpaceX prepares for the Crew-11 astronaut mission launch, while Starlink continues to expand its satellite network in orbit.

SDA Awards $3.5B Tracking Layer Contracts to Lockheed, Rocket Lab | KeepTrack Space Brief

SDA Awards $3.5B Tracking Layer Contracts to Lockheed, Rocket Lab | KeepTrack Space Brief

SDA awards $3.5B in contracts for 72 Tracking Layer satellites to Lockheed Martin and Rocket Lab. Terran Orbital selected for satellite bus production. Israel eyes 2026 defense growth.

NASA Expands SpaceX Crew Contract as Boeing Stalls | KeepTrack X Report

NASA Expands SpaceX Crew Contract as Boeing Stalls | KeepTrack X Report

NASA adds crew missions to SpaceX's contract as Boeing Starliner certification stalls, while Falcon 9 hits its 60th orbital launch of 2026.

X Report 1 Nov 2025

X Report 1 Nov 2025

SpaceX marks a significant milestone with its 100th Starlink mission launch and makes impressive progress on lunar lander development for Artemis III.