X Report 25 Oct 2025
SpaceX prepares for a record-setting launch of Starlink satellites, while Iridium faces challenges against SpaceX's expanding services.
IRIDIUM 47 DEB (40257)
COSPAR: 1997-082S | Alt Name: deb Iridium 47
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 20, 1997
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920-10C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40257
International Designator
1997-082S
Decay Date
3/29/2015
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRIDIUM 47 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Iridium 47
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
0.0475
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.
Three Chinese Rocket Bodies Exploded, Generating Decades of LEO Debris | KeepTrack Space Brief
Three Chinese rocket bodies have exploded over four years, creating debris clouds that will linger for decades to centuries, according to LeoLabs analysis. Fragmentation events threaten commercial and military operators.
Space Brief 26 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights major developments including NASA's Dream Chaser contract modifications, Germany's significant investment in space capabilities, and advancements in hybrid satcom technology.
Space Brief 10 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include strategic shifts in the defense sector, innovations in solar technology for space, and developments in satellite-related military projects.
Pentagon Cancels OPIR Polar After Northrop Sensor Delivery | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon cancels Next-Generation OPIR Polar program after Northrop Grumman delivered sensor payload. LEO and MEO alternatives deemed sufficient for missile-warning coverage.
Space Brief 18 Feb 2025
Today's briefs cover SpaceX landing a Falcon 9 in The Bahamas, first disabled astronaut prepped for a mission, and key company updates from Blue Origin and K2 Space.
Blue Origin Announces 5,400-Satellite Constellation to Rival Starlink | KeepTrack X Report
Blue Origin reveals plans for 5,400+ satellite constellation targeting enterprise and government with 6 Tbps capacity. SpaceX launches first West Coast Starlink mission of 2026 from Vandenberg.
Pentagon Pulls the Plug on GPS OCX | The $8 Billion Ground System That Never Worked
On April 17, 2026, the U.S. Space Force officially cancelled the Next Generation Operational Control System after sixteen years of development, cost overruns, and testing failures. The $8 billion program was supposed to unlock the military's encrypted GPS signal. Instead, the satellites are flying with capabilities the ground can't command.