The Day Electric Propulsion Changed Spaceflight Forever
Fifty-five years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched from California carrying technology that would transform how we explore the solar system
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (35920)
COSPAR: 1997-051UD | 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
35920
International Designator
1997-051UD
Decay Date
8/15/2015
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
0.0118
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 1 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's orbital carrier initiative, ULA Vulcan's approval for military launches, Rocket Lab's new contract with the Space Force, integrated data layers for military command, and advances in tactical surveillance.
B1067 Flies Record 36th Mission on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report
Booster B1067 sets a new Falcon 9 reuse record on its 36th flight, lifting Starlink 10-42 from Cape Canaveral at 5:25 a.m. EDT.
X Report 30 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues to push boundaries with the successful launch of 28 Starlink satellites and significant testing preparations for upcoming Crew-11 and Starship missions.
Space Brief 18 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the reentry of Firefly's Blue Ghost moon lander, a compelling study on space debris exacerbated by climate change, and new advancements from the Vera Rubin Observatory.
X Report 14 May 2025
SpaceX conducted significant test firings and further expanded its satellite fleet, while the EU scrutinizes Starlink's market impact amid ongoing space industry negotiations.
X Report 30 May 2025
SpaceX embarks on another milestone as it prepares to launch an advanced GPS satellite for the U.S. Space Force today, aiming for a record 170 launches this year.
MDA Space Buys Blue Canyon for $620M, Space Brief 20 Jun 2026
MDA Space acquires Blue Canyon Technologies for $620 million, and NASA's 2028 Aeolus Mars orbiter goes to a California startup instead of SpaceX.