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Iridium

completedLaunch 1997-030
Launched 6/18/1997LEOService GSat LEO OO 1
Admin Edit
Payloads
Assets deployed on this mission, enriched from spacecraft records.
7 payloads
Iridium 10
retired
Communications
LEO
Iridium
Iridium 11
retired
CommunicationsLEOIridium
Iridium 12
retired
CommunicationsLEOIridium
Iridium 13
retired
CommunicationsLEOIridium
Iridium 14
retired
CommunicationsLEOIridium
Iridium 16
retired
CommunicationsLEOIridium
Iridium 9
retired
CommunicationsLEOIridium
Launch Details
Launch Date
6/18/1997
Launch ID
1997-030
Launch Profile
Sat LEO OO 1
Service Type
G
Customer Type
C
Orbit
LEO
Launch Stack
Operator
Khrunichev State Research and Production Center
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K
Launch Site
PU23, Ploshchadka 81L, GIK-5, Baykonur, Kazakstan
Payload Summary
Payload Count
7
Constellations
1
Payload Status
retired 7
Payload Mission Types
Communications 7
Track
Mentions
748
All verified mentions of this mission in source documents.

The GMDSS Academy ensures maritime students receive the required Iridium GMDSS safety instruction for working aboard Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) class vessels.

GeneralLegalValue 2.0Dec 6, 2023Iridium launches GMDSS Academy

Iridium GMDSS enables users to make emergency phone calls, initiate an SOS with the distress alert button, and transmit Maritime Safety Information via Iridium SafetyCast.

CapabilityGeneralValue 4.0Dec 6, 2023Iridium launches GMDSS Academy

Iridium's Vice President and General Manager of Maritime Line of Business, Wouter Deknopper, emphasizes the GMDSS Academy's role in improving safety at sea.

GovernanceGeneralValue 2.0Dec 6, 2023Iridium launches GMDSS Academy

PONANT can select the backbone GEO VSAT for data requiring guaranteed throughput while augmenting polar coverage with Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Iridium LEO services.

CapabilityRelationshipsGeneralValue 2.8Dec 3, 2023Marlink adds Starlink + Eutelsat OneWeb to PONANT hybrid network for 1st triple LEO North Pole service

The Iridium network’s LEO constellation provides weather-resilient L-band connectivity globally, including in situations when other satellite and cellular networks do not work.

CapabilityGeneralValue 3.6Nov 30, 2023Intellian + Iridium enhance safety at sea

The Iridium network is supported by a constellation of 66 cross-linked L-band satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

CapabilityValue 4.2Nov 30, 2023Intellian + Iridium enhance safety at sea

The Intellian GMDSS safety terminal is planned to use the Iridium network in 2024-10-01.

PlanValue 4.0Nov 30, 2023Intellian + Iridium enhance safety at sea

Iridium Certus® 100 88/88 kbps mid-band service provides voice, data, and video capability for uncrewed and crewed missions.

CapabilityValue 4.2Nov 22, 2023Guardian Mobility G6-S aviation terminal obtains Iridium Certus certification

Iridium expects to generate around $1,000,000,000 in annual service revenue by 2030.

FinancialGrowthValue 4.5Nov 10, 2023Qualcomm ends partnership for connecting Android phones to Iridium satellites

Iridium’s canceled partnership with Qualcomm does not affect Iridium’s financial guidance for 2023.

FinancialRelationshipsValue 3.4Nov 10, 2023Qualcomm ends partnership for connecting Android phones to Iridium satellites

Qualcomm had an agreement with Iridium to support hardware development and a separate agreement to sell the enabling technology to smartphone makers, and both agreements will terminate on 2023-12-03.

RelationshipsValue 4.6Nov 10, 2023Qualcomm ends partnership for connecting Android phones to Iridium satellites

Iridium announced on 2023-11-09 that no smartphone makers had included Qualcomm’s enabling technology in their devices.

GeneralValue 1.6Nov 10, 2023Qualcomm ends partnership for connecting Android phones to Iridium satellites

Xpand features resilient L-band back-up connectivity up to 700 kbps powered by Iridium Certus globally.

CapabilityGeneralValue 4.0Nov 6, 2023IEC Telecom joins Europort to showcase latest hybrid satcom solution

Iridium reached 1 million subscribers in 2018 following the bankruptcy of the original company, a new business plan, and a relaunch.

GrowthPlanGeneralValue 4.0Nov 1, 2023Iridium celebrates 25 years of innovation, transformation + global connectivity

Iridium completed a $3,000,000,000 next-generation replacement satellite constellation in 2019.

FinancialGrowthCapabilityValue 4.5Nov 1, 2023Iridium celebrates 25 years of innovation, transformation + global connectivity

Iridium’s network operates a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation that provides global L-band connectivity.

CapabilityGeneralValue 4.0Nov 1, 2023Iridium celebrates 25 years of innovation, transformation + global connectivity

Iridium surpassed 2 million subscribers less than five years after reaching 1 million subscribers.

GrowthValue 4.0Nov 1, 2023Iridium celebrates 25 years of innovation, transformation + global connectivity

Carson Air selected SKYTRAC’s Iridium Certus SDL-350 broadband L-band satellite system for its fleet of King Air 360 aircraft.

RelationshipsCapabilityValue 4.0Oct 23, 2023Carson Air selects SKYTRAC SDL-350 for aeromedical connectivity

Iridium chief operating officer Suzi McBride projects the direct-to-device market will take about 10 years to reach $1,000,000,000 in annual revenues.

FinancialGeneralValue 3.5Sep 19, 2023AST SpaceMobile’s prototype satellite makes first 5G connection

Iridium’s satellite network is designed to provide mission-critical communications for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies in high-risk combat zones and during inclement weather events.

CapabilityGeneralValue 2.8Sep 18, 2023DISA + USSF award Iridium PLEO services contract
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