Two New Satellites Will Enhance System Life Span
PLESETSK, Russia, June 20, 2002 – Iridium Satellite LLC, provider of global satellite voice and data communications, announced today the successful deployment of two new spare satellites. The launch marks another significant milestone in the history of the one-year old company. Combined with the successful launch of five spares last February, this event helps Iridium ensure that its global satellite communications network will continue to provide excellent service to government, corporate and individual users through 2010, if not longer.
Launched by Bremen, Germany-based Eurockot Launch Services on a Rockot launch vehicle from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northern Russia at 5:34 a.m. EDT today, the additional satellites join 12 existing in-orbit spares to help enhance the longevity of the global voice and data communications network.
“The successful launch and deployment of two additional in-orbit spares further demonstrates that Iridium is a viable company with solid fundamentals and tremendous market opportunities,” said Gino Picasso, Iridium Satellite CEO. “Combined with our ever-expanding global distribution network, Iridium is meeting and exceeding our business plan objectives.”
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Consisting of 66 operational satellites plus spares, the Iridium system provides industrial, government and individual customers with global voice and data services specifically to communicate to and from remote areas. Based on Iridium’s internal estimates and an external study by an independent company, the satellite constellation is expected to last until mid-2010.
Iridium Satellite, which bought the assets of bankrupt Iridium LLC in December 2000, launched commercial service on March 30, 2001 and has experienced significant and growing demand for its global communications solutions. The company introduced mobile Internet access worldwide in June 2001 and has since launched targeted solutions for the aeronautical, maritime and other vertical markets.
About Iridium Satellite LLC
Headquartered in Arlington, Va., Iridium Satellite LLC is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the Earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions). Through a constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites operated by The Boeing Company, Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available. The service is ideally suited for industries such as maritime, aviation, government/military, emergency/humanitarian services, mining, forestry, oil & gas and heavy construction. Iridium currently provides service to the U.S. Department of Defense under a multi-year contract. Iridium works with more than 20 seasoned service partners to sell and support the service globally. For more information, please visit www.iridium.com or call 866-947-4348 (in the U.S.); +1 480-752-5155 (internationally).
