VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Vandenberg launched a Boeing Delta II rocket carrying five Iridium satellites into a low-earth orbit Feb. 11.
The satellites will serve as spares for Iridium Satellite’s global voice and data communications network. This mission marks the 101st Boeing Delta II mission since 1989 and the 12th Iridium launch since 1997.
Between May 1997 and November 1998, Delta II vehicles successfully placed 55 of Iridium’s satellites into low-earth orbit. Eleven Delta II launches occurred from Vandenberg.
A constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting Iridium satellites will provide global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the Earth including oceans, airways and Polar Regions.
Iridium currently provides service to the U.S. Department of Defense under a multi-year contract.
