IRIDIUM 33 DEB (46972)

COSPAR: 1997-051ACE | Alt Name: deb Iridium 33

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 14, 1997

Launch Site

Tyuratam Missile and Space Complex

Launch Pad

LC81/23

Launch Vehicle

Proton-K/17S40

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46972

International Designator

1997-051ACE

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:02:50 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

86.39°

Right Ascension

311.80°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

136.91°

Period

99.20 min

Mean Motion

14.52 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot

3D Visualization

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

Latest TLEs

1 46972U 97051ACE 26185.12696939  .00002199  00000-0  54440-3 0  9998

2 46972  86.3881 311.7987 0010708 136.9088 345.6370 14.51553220645226

Source: Celestrak

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

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

Map

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Latitude

Longitude

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