Space Brief 20 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's Starlink launch, NASA's revived lunar mission, and a spotlight on space-defense activities.
IRIDIUM 33 DEB (46981)
COSPAR: 1997-051ACP | 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
46981
International Designator
1997-051ACP
Decay Date
7/9/2024
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.
X Report 15 Dec 2025
SpaceX made significant strides in satellite deployment with successful launches of 27 and 29 Starlink satellites, marking both a milestone in landings and ongoing expansion of the Starlink constellation.
X Report 16 Jan 2025
SpaceX launches dual lunar landers while Starship Flight 7 faces weather delay.
Space Brief 12 Dec 2024
U.S. Space Force's Europe operations amidst Ukraine conflict, Maxar's new partnership, integration of military and commercial tech, and the Pentagon's new AI initiatives shape today's space discourse.
Musk Confirms Starmind AI Constellation, X Report 24 Jun 2026
Musk confirms Starmind, an AI satellite constellation targeting 1 million orbital compute nodes. Starfall's debut and Dragon's ISS departure follow.
Space Brief 25 Apr 2025
Today's briefing covers the largest-ever spectrum sharing demo planned by the Pentagon, innovative strategies for drone deployment in the Air Force, and significant military procurement developments.
Space Brief 9 Nov 2025
Today's top stories include SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, Blue Origin's FAA exemption request, and major acquisitions by Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace shaping the defense and space landscape.
Space Brief 1 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the Space Force's AI integration, NASA's lunar nuclear reactor plans, ESA's Flight Ticket Initiative, Martian mantle revelations, and SpaceX's latest Starlink launch.