Artemis 2 relied on Iridium’s L-band frequency for critical command, control, astronaut safety, and contingency communications.
Iridium NTN Direct is a standards-based non-terrestrial network service.
Iridium NTN Direct enables 3GPP-compliant Narrowband IoT and direct-to-device communication from Iridium’s 66-satellite low-Earth-orbit constellation.
Iridium NTN Direct targets consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial IoT devices.
Iridium supported the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services program for national security missions.
Iridium’s network was used to support specialized Artemis 2 recovery teams, including Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 and Air Force recovery units.
Iridium’s network provided primary tracking and recovery data used by the U.S. Navy and NASA recovery teams to locate Orion in the Pacific Ocean after splashdown preparations.
Somewear Labs’ Global Hotspot uses the Iridium network to provide uninterrupted communications and situational awareness in austere environments.
Iridium NTN Direct is designed to let standard chipsets roam directly on Iridium’s network for global connectivity without specialized satellite hardware.
Iridium’s PNT signal is intended to provide a quantum-safe timestamp and location lock for high-value transactions and mission-critical data flows.
Somewear Labs is an Iridium Value-Added Manufacturer.
The major NTN direct-to-cellular operators are Starlink, Skylo, Globalstar, and Iridium.
Iridium has completed its constellation and has a niche in safety-of-life L-band communications.
All.Space’s Hydra 4 mobility terminal is designed to operate across Ka-band, the Starlink constellation, and the Iridium constellation.
Iridium signed Syniverse and Deutsche Telekom for Iridium NTN Direct.
Iridium launched its Iridium NTN Direct service in the past six months.
Iridium PNT is an alternative PNT service.
Iridium NTN Direct is a standardized, global narrow-band satellite IoT service.
Iridium deployed Iridium NTN Direct on its existing satellite network.
Iridium is talking to automotive companies worldwide about narrow-band applications including airbag deployment, software downloads, and emergency location services.