IRIDIUM 33 DEB (46979)

COSPAR: 1997-051ACM | 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

46979

International Designator

1997-051ACM

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:23:46 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

86.32°

Right Ascension

312.22°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

211.10°

Period

95.12 min

Mean Motion

15.14 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 46979U 97051ACM 26185.09984076  .00137835  00000-0  74541-2 0  9992

2 46979  86.3189 312.2213 0020231 211.0966 148.9078 15.13879505384791

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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Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

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Time Until

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