2026-244Latest orbital launch: Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 15-16 · Oct 27, 2026 · VandenbergLaunch record →
sci-techmaventhe history of spaceflight, in data
sci-techmaven
Launch logAdvertise
  1. Home
  2. Launches
  3. 1997
  4. 1997-020
// orbital launch

Iridium MS-1A

Delta 7920-10C launch from Vandenberg (United States) on May 5, 1997, carrying 5 payloads. GCAT records the launch as a success.

May 5, 1997 · 14:55 UTCLaunch 1997-020Launch no. 4,138 in the log
RocketDelta 7920-10C
SpaceportVandenbergpad SLC2W
OutcomeSuccess
Launch agencyMDSSCUnited States

Flight

Date and time (UTC)
May 5, 1997, 14:55
Launch designation
1997-020
Mission
Iridium MS-1A
Vehicle flight ID
D242

Orbit and payload

Initial apogee
952 km
Payload mass to orbit
3.3 t
Payloads
5
GCAT launch code
OS

Payloads

PayloadDesignationOwnerMission typeMassFate
Iridium 81997-020ANORAD 24792Iridium Inc.Communications662 kgReentered (orbital decay) · Nov 24, 2017
Iridium 71997-020BNORAD 24793Iridium Inc.Communications662 kgIn orbit
Iridium 61997-020CNORAD 24794Iridium Inc.Communications662 kgReentered (orbital decay) · Dec 23, 2017
Iridium 51997-020DNORAD 24795Iridium Inc.Communications662 kgIn orbit
Iridium 41997-020ENORAD 24796Iridium Inc.Communications662 kgIn orbit

Source: GCAT launch list and payload catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0). Orbit values are the initial orbit reported for the launch.