IRIDIUM 33 DEB (39785)

COSPAR: 1997-051AAS | 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

39785

International Designator

1997-051AAS

Decay Date

9/8/2020

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

0.0085

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 30 Jul 2025

Space Brief 30 Jul 2025

Today's highlights include Space Force's new satcom design contracts, advances in AI training tools, Pentagon drone policy shifts, and the first Eris launch's failure.

X Report 19 Nov 2025

X Report 19 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites in a night mission, marking a significant return to evening launches post-regulations.

SpaceX Preps Seventh Starlink Launch of 2026 With 25 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Preps Seventh Starlink Launch of 2026 With 25 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX readies Starlink 17-20 launch of 25 satellites to polar orbit from Vandenberg pad 4E — seventh Starlink mission of the year. 11,009 total Starlink satellites launched to date.

Space Brief 28 Feb 2025

Space Brief 28 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers defense industry dynamics, advancements in quantum sensor technology, and geopolitical challenges impacting military space operations.

The Feasibility of Transitioning from Starlink to Eutelsat in Ukraine

The Feasibility of Transitioning from Starlink to Eutelsat in Ukraine

As Ukraine explores alternatives to SpaceX's Starlink, the potential adoption of Eutelsat OneWeb's satellite network raises critical questions about connectivity, resilience, and strategic autonomy.

Artemis 3 Schedule Slips With No Mission Plan From NASA | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 3 Schedule Slips With No Mission Plan From NASA | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA's Artemis 3 lunar landing mission schedule continues slipping over 2 months after revised plans announced, with no crew or surface activity details released publicly yet.

Demystifying the USSPACECOM Two-Line Element Set Format

Demystifying the USSPACECOM Two-Line Element Set Format

Discover the history and significance of Two-Line Element Sets (TLEs) in satellite tracking. Dive into their components, applications, and how they are evolving to meet future space challenges.

Space Brief 14 May 2025

Space Brief 14 May 2025

Today's edition covers China's latest launches in their classified satellite programs, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate on missile defense, and the ever-escalating space debris crisis threatening national security.