IRIDIUM 33 DEB (37549)

COSPAR: 1997-051XJ | 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

37549

International Designator

1997-051XJ

Decay Date

1/27/2024

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

0.0105

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.

X Report 16 Aug 2025

X Report 16 Aug 2025

SpaceX receives FAA approval for its 10th Starship test flight scheduled for August 24, while also making strides in construction at the Cape and contesting broadband funding in Virginia.

X Report 19 Jan 2025

X Report 19 Jan 2025

SpaceX prepares to launch 27 Starlink satellites in its first mission since the recent Starship explosion, while the FAA investigates debris reports from the failed test flight.

Space Brief 12 Jan 2025

Space Brief 12 Jan 2025

Today's briefing covers significant events including launch delays for SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn, BepiColombo's landmark Mercury flyby, and the impact of Los Angeles fires on the space community.

The Kessler Syndrome

The Kessler Syndrome

The Kessler Syndrome threatens humanity's future in space as cascading satellite collisions create exponential debris growth. With 36,000+ tracked objects and recent incidents accelerating risks, we face a critical juncture: implement solutions now or potentially lose access to low Earth orbit forever.

PrSM Used in Combat for First Time & Space Force Demands More Troops | KeepTrack Space Brief

PrSM Used in Combat for First Time & Space Force Demands More Troops | KeepTrack Space Brief

CENTCOM confirms first-ever combat use of PrSM against Iranian targets. Space Force VP calls for aggressive end strength growth. Artemis II boosters on pad.

Space Brief 23 May 2025

Space Brief 23 May 2025

Today's briefing highlights a significant increase in the Pentagon's AI budget, upgrades at the Tiangong space station, cyber threats to satellite operations, and the Moon and Venus conjunction.

South Korea Plans Defense Satellite Constellation With Hanwha Systems | KeepTrack Space Brief

South Korea Plans Defense Satellite Constellation With Hanwha Systems | KeepTrack Space Brief

Hanwha Systems in talks with MDA Space and Telesat for South Korean defense satellite constellation. SpaceX preps GPS satellite launch for Space Force. Seismic networks now track space junk reentry.

Space Brief 19 Jun 2025

Space Brief 19 Jun 2025

Discover key developments in space defense and military operations, including new leadership for Space Force's 'Golden Dome,' SpaceX's contract for a military SATCOM network, and increased Israeli-Iranian missile activity.