New Glenn Upper Stage Fails, BlueBird 7 Lost, Space Brief 20 Apr 2026
New Glenn's upper stage malfunctioned April 19, stranding AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7; the satellite is lost. Vulcan may fly without solid boosters.
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (36490)
COSPAR: 1997-051WG | Alt Name: deb Iridium 33
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
36490
International Designator
1997-051WG
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:38:41 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
86.36°
Right Ascension
278.25°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
94.91°
Period
97.22 min
Mean Motion
14.81 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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
Latest TLEs
1 36490U 97051WG 26185.23520122 .00014203 00000-0 18212-2 0 9999
2 36490 86.3619 278.2514 0004659 94.9133 265.2621 14.81171411894924
Source: Celestrak
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
0.0133
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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