Space Brief 11 Sep 2024
A recap of notable space events including the Soyuz MS-26 launch to the ISS, Polaris Dawn's altitude achievement, and satellite tracking updates.
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (46969)
COSPAR: 1997-051ACB | 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
46969
International Designator
1997-051ACB
Decay Date
8/4/2022
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
Unknown
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.
Crew-11 Astronauts Arrive in Houston After Historic ISS Evacuation | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Houston following first-ever ISS medical evacuation. Starlink continues robust satellite deployment schedule with ongoing constellation expansion.
The Rocket That Refused to Sink
On April 18, 2014, a Falcon 9 first stage did something no orbital rocket had ever done before. It fired its engines on the way down, steered itself through the atmosphere using grid fins that did not yet exist, and touched the Atlantic Ocean softly enough to survive the impact. Nobody recovered it. The data was the whole point.
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.
SaxaVord Spaceport
The UK's orbital ambitions rest on a remote Shetland island. How SaxaVord became Europe's first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport - and why, despite being ready for years, it's still waiting for a rocket that works.
Space Brief 28 Mar 2025
Today's updates focus on significant developments in U.S. national security space launches, Army space training, potential shifts in satellite procurement strategies, and the Meteor 2-21 satellite.
X Report 2 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 more Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, marking another milestone in its satellite constellation expansion.
X Report 8 Nov 2024
SpaceX makes strides with Starship testing while Starlink faces mounting competition as Viasat eyes Telesat's LEO capacity.