description Iridium NEXT (constellation) Overview
Iridium NEXT is a second-generation low Earth orbit satellite constellation comprising 66 active spacecraft, launched between 2017 and 2019 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. The constellation replaced the original Iridium network to provide continuous global voice and data communications. Designed for commercial, government, and scientific users, the upgraded satellites host the Aireon system for real-time global aircraft tracking and support various machine-to-machine data services.
insights Ranking position
Iridium NEXT (constellation) ranks #24 of 187 in the Satellite ranking, behind GOES-19, ahead of NOAA-20.
help Iridium NEXT (constellation) FAQ
How many Iridium NEXT satellites were launched by SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets?
SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets launched all 75 Iridium NEXT satellites (66 operational plus 9 spares) across eight dedicated missions and one rideshare between January 2017 and early 2019. Each Falcon 9 mission typically deployed 10 satellites into low Earth orbit. The launches took place from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
What new capabilities does Iridium NEXT provide over the original 1997 Iridium constellation?
Iridium NEXT replaced the original Iridium constellation launched beginning in 1997, providing upgraded voice and data communications with higher bandwidth. The new satellites also carry hosted payloads for Aireon's global aircraft tracking service, which uses ADS-B receivers to track aircraft worldwide including over oceans and polar regions. The constellation entered full service in 2019.
How does the Iridium NEXT constellation's 66-satellite architecture provide global coverage?
The 66 operational Iridium NEXT satellites are arranged in six orbital planes of 11 satellites each in low Earth orbit at approximately 780 kilometers altitude. This configuration provides continuous coverage of the entire planet, including oceans and polar regions where geostationary satellite coverage is impossible. It is the only satellite constellation offering truly global pole-to-pole coverage.
When did Iridium NEXT complete its full deployment?
The first Iridium NEXT launch occurred on January 14, 2017, when a SpaceX Falcon 9 deployed 10 satellites. The final Iridium NEXT launch took place in January 2019, completing the constellation. Iridium subsequently announced full operational capability later that year.
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