Space Brief 30 Oct 2024
Today's briefing covers China's successful Shenzhou 19 launch to the Tiangong space station, NASA's upcoming spacewalks plan after a spacesuit issue, and innovative propulsion research for space journeys.
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (39792)
COSPAR: 1997-051AAZ | 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
39792
International Designator
1997-051AAZ
Decay Date
2/14/2025
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
0.008
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.
Starlink V2 Flies on Starship in 2027, X Report 4 Mar 2026
Gwynne Shotwell confirms Starlink V2 launches on Starship in 2027. Ship 39 preps Starship Flight 12; Falcon 9 lofts its 600th Starlink of 2026.
Space Brief 5 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the new Space Force operations doctrine, international defense collaborations by the UAE, and satellite tracking technology innovations.
SpaceX Preps First February Starlink Launch, Orbital Data Centers Gain Traction | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX readies Starlink 17-32 launch of 25 satellites from Vandenberg. Orbital data center economics draw attention from Musk and Bezos. 9,614 Starlink sats on orbit.
The Moon Landing That Almost Didn't Happen
Six hours behind schedule, with a backup engine system shuddering in lunar orbit and mission controllers in Houston running out of options, Apollo 16 came within one meeting of being sent home without landing. The problem was a wobble in a gimbal. The solution was math done under pressure.
Space Brief 16 Jun 2025
Today's update covers NASA's Ax-4 mission preparations, ESA's satellite imaging program, Ursa Major's military contract, and China's expanding nuclear arsenal.
SpaceX Orbital Data Center Plans Draw Astronomer Fury | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's orbital data center constellation and TERAFAB's $25B AI chip factory spark backlash as Starlink surpasses 10,116 working satellites.
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.