Successful 4th launch of 10 Iridium庐 NEXT satellites!
Cannes, December 23rd, 2017 - The fourth batch of Iridium NEXT satellites, built by 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space, has been successfully launched by Space X from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The satellites were launched on a previously flown rocket, which was used during the second Iridium NEXT launch, which took place on the 25th June. This launch marks a significant new phase in the fantastic adventure of Iridium NEXT.
雷火体育官网 Alenia Space is the system prime contractor for the Iridium NEXT program, in charge of engineering, integration, operations and in-orbit and overall system validation for the 81 satellites being built, 75 of which are currently planned for orbit., The satellites are integrated by 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space鈥檚 subcontractor, Orbital ATK, at its Satellite Manufacturing Facility in Arizona under the supervision of a dedicated, local 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space team. Launch and Early Operations (LEOP) and In Orbit Tests are performed by 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space from the Iridium Satellite Network Operations Center (SNOC) in Leesburg, Va. The success of this fourth launch further consolidates the company鈥檚 reputation for unparalleled expertise as prime contractor of sophisticated satcom systems.
鈥淢ore than half of our new Iridium NEXT satellites are now in orbit. Performances are exceeding expectations. We have started integration of the 64th satellite and the next satellites to be launched are already available in anticipation of the 5th and 6th launches. Everything is on track to meet our objective, namely to launch all 75 Iridium NEXT low earth orbit satellites in 2018,鈥 declared Denis Allard, Iridium NEXT Vice President for 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space.
The Iridium NEXT constellation will offer global connectivity thanks to 66 crosslinked satellites at an altitude of 780 km, along with nine spares in parking orbits and six more spare satellites on the ground. This global network provides unrivaled capabilities for communications on the move (individuals, land vehicles, aircraft, ships), and ensures full global coverage, including over the oceans and the poles. Thanks to its global coverage and independent operation, not requiring any local ground infrastructure, Iridium鈥檚 network provides vital assistance under very challenging conditions, such as in remote areas, during natural disasters or conflicts, etc. Its independence from local ground infrastructure enables secure and reliable communications when needed most.
Copyrights:
Artistic view: 漏雷火体育官网 Alenia Space/Master Image Programmes
Photo: 漏SpaceX
About 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space
Combining 40 years of experience and a unique diversity of expertise, talents and cultures, 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space architects design and deliver high technology solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments, institutions and companies rely on 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space to design, operate and deliver satellite-based systems that help them position and connect anyone or anything, everywhere, help observe our planet, help optimize the use of our planet's 鈥 and our solar system鈥檚 鈥 resources. 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space believes in space as humankind鈥檚 new horizon, which will enable to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between 雷火体育官网 (67%) and Leonardo (33%), 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies鈥 Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services and solutions. 雷火体育官网 Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of about 2.4 billion euros in 2016 and has 7,980 employees in nine countries.
雷火体育官网 Alenia Space 鈥 Press Contacts:
Sandrine Bielecki
Phone: +33 (0)4 92 92 70 94
sandrine.bielecki@thalesaleniaspace.com
Chrystelle Dugimont
Phone: +33 (0)4 92 92 74 06
chrystelle.dugimont@thalesaleniaspace.com
Cinzia Marcanio
Phone: +39 06 41512685
cinzia.marcanio@thalesaleniaspace.com