SpaceX to Launch Iridium Satellites | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-07.07.25

Airborne-NextGen-07.08.25

AirborneUnlimited-06.25.25

Airborne-AffordableFlyers-06.26.25

AirborneUnlimited-06.27.25

Sun, Sep 11, 2022

SpaceX to Launch Iridium Satellites

Communications Satellite Constellation Reinforces Network with 5 Additional Satellites

The mystery launch provider for Iridium's next satellite launches has been revealed, with an agreement for SpaceX to take 5 of the company's 2nd-generation satellites aboard its Falcon 9. 

The Satellites will go to join the rest of the next-gen communications network that the company began launching in 2017. The mission, Iridium-9, will take place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in the middle of 2023 as they deploy 5 of the company's 6 spare satellites for added network redundancy. 

Since completing the rollout of the 2nd generation Iridium network, they have maintained 66 operational satellites, 9 spares in orbit, and 6 spares stored on Earth. That status quo is fairly expensive, given the costly nature of terrestrial satellite storage. Iridium's growth has seen more than 730,000 new subscribers since 2019, with more than 1.8 million total around the world.

Along with the growth, they've been able to expand their services with the Iridium Certus broadband platform, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, and Global Line of Sight service for autonomous systems worldwide. That's only the start, given the plethora of company partners that bring more than 150 Iridium narrowband and specialty networking products to market using the network. 

"We have always said that when the right opportunity presented itself, we would launch many, if not all, of our remaining ground spares, and just such an opportunity came about," said Iridium CEO Matt Desch. "Our constellation is incredibly healthy; however, the spare satellites have no utility to us on the ground. We built extra satellites as an insurance policy, and with SpaceX's stellar track record, we look forward to another successful launch, which will position us even better to replicate the longevity of our first constellation."

FMI: www.iridium.com

Advertisement

More News

Airborne 06.30.25: US v ADS-B Misuse, NatÂ’l STOL Fire, Volocopter Resumes

Also: Netherlands Donates 18 F16s, 2 737s Collide On Ramp, E-7 Wedgetail Cut, AgEagle's 100th In S Korea The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act was introduced in the House by Represent>[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (07.06.25)

“This delivery represents more than just a milestone. It symbolizes our shared commitment to national security and our unwavering support for the men and women who serve on t>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (07.06.25)

Aero Linx: Vintage Wings of Canada Foundation Vintage Wings of Canada is a not-for-profit, charitable organization with a collection of historically significant aircraft and is run>[...]

Classic Aero-TV: Portrait of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation

From 2023 (YouTube Edition): To Preserve and Teach Incorporated as a non-profit domestic corporation in June 1997, the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation (AAHF) is a one-of-a-kind, >[...]

Airborne-NextGen 07.01.25: Volocopter Returns, B23 Energic, Iran Tech In UAVs?

Also: Air Taxis May Be Close, AgEagle Sells 100th, VAI Likes Bedford, AURA AERO Cleans Up Volocopter has resumed work towards the certification of its VoloCity eVTOL, this time und>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2025 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC