X Report 7 Apr 2025
SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch today, following a successful deployment over the weekend from Florida's Space Coast.
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (35861)
COSPAR: 1997-051TM | 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
35861
International Designator
1997-051TM
Decay Date
12/31/2011
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
0.003
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.
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.
Space Brief 30 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include Europe's record space budget for independence, Transporter-15's successful launch of 140 payloads, and the damage to the Baikonur pad affecting upcoming ISS missions.
Space Force Halts All Vulcan Missions Over Solid Booster Issue | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force suspends all Vulcan launches pending solid rocket booster investigation. Rocket Lab scrubs HASTE hypersonic vehicle launch. Military space funding hits record highs.
The Day Opportunity Changed Our View of Mars Forever
Twenty-one years ago, a golf cart-sized rover bounced to a stop inside a small crater on Mars, beginning one of the most remarkable chapters in space exploration history
Starlink Launch Cadence: 54 Sats in One Day, X Report 13 Mar 2026
SpaceX Starlink launch cadence 2026: missions 26 and 27 lift off 37 minutes apart on March 13, with 25 and 29 satellites per Falcon 9, 54 in one morning.
Northrop Grumman Books $71M Charge on Vulcan Booster Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Northrop Grumman takes $71M charge over Vulcan solid rocket booster anomaly, grounding ULA's vehicle. Vulcan manifest timelines now in holding pattern pending resolution.
X Report 1 Mar 2025
FAA greenlights Flight 8 of SpaceX's Starship while senators examine Air Force nominee's ties to the company.