SpaceX completes Iridium Next constellation

SpaceX launched the final 10 Iridium Next satellites into orbit Jan. 11, completing its first mission of the year and last for its largest non-government customer, Iridium Communications.

Iridium open to rideshares for spare satellite launches

Iridium Communications is less than a week away from the final launch of its 75-satellite Iridium Next constellation, but could opt to launch six additional satellites if the right rideshare opportunity opens up, CEO Matt Desch said Jan. 3.

SpaceX’s final Iridium Next launch delayed to January

The new launch date, announced Dec. 7 by customer Iridium Communications, was driven by the additional two weeks SpaceX ended up needing to launch Spaceflight Industries’ “SmallSat Express” dedicated rideshare mission.

Final Iridium Next launch scheduled for Dec. 30 Falcon 9 mission

The last mission needed to complete Iridium Communications’ second-generation satellite constellation is scheduled for Dec. 30, Iridium CEO Matt Desch said today.

Iridium to finish deorbiting legacy constellation early next year

Iridium will deorbit the last of its original satellites around the beginning of 2019, entrusting its second-generation with all network responsibilities, CEO Matt Desch said Sept. 10.

Iridium posts sharply higher revenue, forecasts decade-long capex holiday

Iridium Communications had what Chief Financial Officer Thomas Fitzpatrick called its “best quarterly revenue growth in company history,” logging $135 million for April, May and June, an increase of 21 percent over the same time last year.

SpaceX launches penultimate Iridium Next mission

SpaceX launched 10 Iridium Next telecom satellites July 25 on a Falcon 9 rocket, bringing Iridium’s constellation one launch away from completion.

SpaceX launches five Iridium satellites and twin science spacecraft

A SpaceX Falcon 9 still sporting soot from its last mission successfully launched May 22 with five Iridium Next satellites and two science satellites for NASA and the German Research Center for Geosciences.

Aireon partner invests $69 million in space-based aircraft tracking system

Aireon raised $69 million from a British partner, enabling the aircraft-tracking startup to begin making hosting payments to Iridium Communications.

Iridium to complete next-generation satellite deployment by this fall

Iridium expects to have its next-generation satellite constellation deployed and in service by this fall as it looks to win approvals for new maritime and aviation applications.

LEO constellation rush not a threat to Iridium, CEO says

Large constellations of satellites planned for low Earth orbit (LEO) present little threat to Iridium’s business despite sharing the same orbit, CEO Matt Desch said April 26.

Iridium Next enters the homestretch

As Iridium finishes its new constellation, it’s facing a changing competitive landscape.

SmallSat Responsible Revolution: CSCA Canadian SmallSat Symposium 2018

About the Canadian Spce Commerce Associations Canadian SmallSat Symposium 2018 (CCSS18)

The central theme of the CCSS18 is SMALL SATELLITES, RESPONSIBLE REVOLUTION. The sustainability of space is at risk given the demand and opportunity for…

SpaceX concludes 2017 with fourth Iridium Next launch

SpaceX closed out its most successful year to date Dec. 22 with the launch of 10 satellites for mobile satellite services operator Iridium, notching a personal best of 18 launches in a single year.

Iridium switches next two launches to pre-flown Falcon 9s to preserve schedule

Mobile satellite services provider Iridium will use previously flown Falcon 9 first stages for its next two launches in order not to miss its mid-2018 goal for completing the Iridium Next constellation.

SpaceX launches third set of Iridium Next satellites

SpaceX carried out the third of eight missions for Iridium Communications early Oct. 9, launching ten more Iridium Next satellites on a Falcon 9 from California.