Satellite Constellation

Low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites provide global coverage, including the extreme Polar regions that are not covered by geostationary satellite systems.

• Low satellite orbits permit communications using compact handheld satellite phones or fixed installations


• Voice quality is sharp and clear without delays and echoes


• Constellation consists of 66 operational satellites


• Constellation organized into 6 orbital planes


• Satellites are in near-polar orbits at an altitude of 780 km (485 miles) above the earth


• Satellites circle the earth once every 100 minutes at a rate of 26,858 kilometers per hour (16,689 mph)


• Each satellite has a footprint of about 4,500 km (2,800 miles)

Network

• Constellation architecture ensures that every location on the globe is covered by at least 1 satellite at all times


• Each satellite is cross-linked to 4 other satellites

Ground Infrastructure

• Iridium's commercial Gateway is located in Arizona, USA


• Operational control and support services are provided by a Network Operations Center in Virginia, USA


• 4 telemetry tracking and control sites strategically placed throughout the world


• Voice and data calls provided on the L-Band (1616-1626.5 MHz)


• Inter-satellite links, ground downlinks and uplinks utilize Ka-Band frequencies

Users

• Designed for users in locations where landline or mobile phone connections are unavailable, unreliable or overburdened


• Commercial markets served include:
  
  
  
  • Maritime
  
  
  • Aviation
  
  
  • Emergency services
  
  
  • Oil & gas
  
  
  • Forestry
  
  
  • MIning
  
  
  • Journalism
  
  
  • Defense

Partners

• Worldwide network of major service providers and dealers


• Network of value-added manufacturers and resellers that provide specialized products and services