IRIDIUM 33 DEB (40997)

COSPAR: 1997-051ABK | 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

40997

International Designator

1997-051ABK

Decay Date

12/19/2021

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

0.0157

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 28 Dec 2025

X Report 28 Dec 2025

SpaceX scrubs a launch due to ground system issues while continuing its ambitious deployment of Starlink satellites.

Starlink Satellite Count Hits 10,168, X Report 5 Apr 2026

Starlink Satellite Count Hits 10,168, X Report 5 Apr 2026

Starlink satellite count for April 2026: 10,177 in orbit, 10,168 working from 11,724 launched. No new anomalies, four reentries expected Apr 5-7.

X Report 8 Mar 2025

X Report 8 Mar 2025

SpaceX faces setbacks with Starship Flight 8 amid debris fallout, achieves regulatory win for smartphone connectivity, and prepares for upcoming ISS missions.

Space Beyond Books SpaceX Rideshare for Memorial Cubesat Mission | KeepTrack X Report

Space Beyond Books SpaceX Rideshare for Memorial Cubesat Mission | KeepTrack X Report

Space Beyond secures SpaceX rideshare launch slot for October 2027 memorial cubesat mission. Starlink constellation at 11,009 total satellites launched with 9,551 currently on orbit.

Starship Flight 12 Summary: V3 Reaches Space, X Report 24 May 2026

Starship Flight 12 Summary: V3 Reaches Space, X Report 24 May 2026

Starship Flight 12 summary: V3 reached space May 22 and survived reentry despite one Raptor vacuum engine shutdown, with most test objectives complete.

X Report 18 Aug 2025

X Report 18 Aug 2025

SpaceX's 100th Falcon 9 mission successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites, continuing to expand its broadband constellation.

Space Brief 29 Dec 2025

Space Brief 29 Dec 2025

Today's highlights include Japan's new military satellite imagery initiative, NASA's SPHEREx map, and AST BlueBird 6's groundbreaking cellular array in low Earth orbit.

X Report 18 Mar 2025

X Report 18 Mar 2025

Major breakthroughs as SpaceX prepares to bring astronauts home and multiple launches unfold this week.