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.
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (36487)
COSPAR: 1997-051WD | 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
36487
International Designator
1997-051WD
Decay Date
5/11/2025
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
0.0134
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.
NASA Ends MAVEN After 6-Month Contact Loss; Falcon 9 Sets 35th Reuse Record | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA concludes MAVEN mission after six months attempting to restore contact with Mars probe. Meanwhile, Falcon 9 booster flies record 35th flight on Starlink 10-35 mission.
X Report 5 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.
X Report 18 Apr 2025
Cape Canaveral launch site activities intensify; SpaceX explores new subscription model for Trump's Golden Dome.
Space Force Awards Counter-Surveillance Payload Contracts | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force RCO awarded SBIR contracts for radar-detection payloads to counter adversary surveillance of U.S. satellites. Follow-on miniaturization effort already planned.
Australian Space Centre Cape York
When your landlord won't sign the lease, you move. How Equatorial Launch Australia abandoned Arnhem Land and pivoted to Queensland - and what it means for Australia's equatorial launch ambitions.
The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Sun
Fifteen years ago, NASA launched its most advanced solar observatory, revolutionizing our understanding of our star and transforming space weather prediction
Space Brief 9 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's successful 2025 kick-off launch, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, and a significant military satellite contract competition.