Space Brief 22 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers space-based missile defense, AI maritime surveillance, and new governmental shifts impacting the defense sector.
IRIDIUM 177 (56727)
COSPAR: 2023-068T | Alt Name: Iridium Next SV177
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56727
International Designator
2023-068T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:35:22 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
86.20°
Right Ascension
313.32°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
97.52°
Period
97.30 min
Mean Motion
14.80 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRIDIUM 177
Alternative Name
Iridium Next SV177
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56727U 23068T 26200.77456074 .00000514 00000+0 64403-4 0 9996
2 56727 86.1988 313.3209 0002226 97.5153 262.6321 14.80028360171184
Source: Celestrak
Summary
IRIDIUM 177 (also known as Iridium Next SV177) is a communication and traffic monitoring satellite launched by IRIDS on May 20, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 3.1 meters in length, 1.5 meters in diameter, and a span of 9.4 meters. It is equipped with a L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links and downlinks, an ADS-B payload, and an AIS-receiver (on 58 satellites). The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 860 kg, powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. Its design life is 10 years with plans for a 15-year operational lifespan. Manufactured by NGISGA, the satellite's shape is described as Half Hex Prism+2 pan.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.1
Diameter
1.5
Span
9.4
Dry Mass
700
Launch Mass
860
Shape
Half Hex Prism+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Iridium Next SV177
Purpose
Communication, traffic monitoring
Mission
Communication, traffic monitoring
Manufacturer
NGISGA
Life Expectancy
10 years (design), 15 years (planned)
Bus
EliteBus
Configuration
ELiTeBus-1000
Motor
?
Equipment
L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links, Ka-band downlinks, ADS-B payload, AIS-receiver (on 58 satellites)
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 10 Sep 2025
SpaceX makes strides with United States national security satellites, securing substantial spectrum for Starlink's direct-to-cell services, and preparing for future Starship developments.
X Report 3 Mar 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8, with a launch set for Monday as final preparations are underway.
Space Force Picks Boeing 702MP for MUOS Follow-On | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force selects Boeing's 702MP spacecraft for next-generation MUOS satellites. Rocket Lab delivers Synspective's 10th StriX radar satellite. Track both missions.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.
Space Brief 13 Dec 2024
Today's brief highlights the U.S. Space Force's upcoming modular satellite mission, increased military reliance on commercial space intelligence, and the demand for expanded commercial reserve support. Learn more about these advancements alongside our Satellite Spotlight on Yaogan-30 B.
Space Brief 29 Jun 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's new contract with the U.S. Space Force, multiple Starlink launches, Rocket Lab's rapid launch success, and the final mission of Japan's H-IIA rocket.
How a Parachutist Named Seagull Became the First Woman in Space
On 16 June 1963, a 26-year-old former textile worker named Valentina Tereshkova launched aboard Vostok 6 and spent nearly three days alone in orbit. She flew 48 times around the Earth, longer than every American astronaut combined, and spotted a dangerous flaw in her descent program that ground controllers had missed.