Editing Iridium Communications

{{Short description|American satellite communications company}}

{{Infobox company
| name = Iridium Communications Inc.
| logo = [[File:Iridium Satellite LLC logo.svg|200px]]
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NASDAQ|IRDM}}|[[List of S&P 400 companies|S&P 400]] component}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|2001}}
| location_city = [[McLean, Virginia]]
| location_country = U.S.
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{plainlist|Matthew J. Desch ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]]) Thomas J. Fitzpatrick ([[Chief financial officer|CFO]]) Suzi McBride ([[Chief operating officer|COO]])}}
| industry = [[Satellite telecommunications]]
| products = Satellite communications equipment
| services = Satellite voice and data services
| revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|560.4 million|link=yes}} (2019)<ref name=fs2>{{cite web|title=Iridium Communications Annual Report 2019|url=http://investor.iridium.com/annual-reports}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{decrease}} US$10.1 million (2019)<ref name=fs2 />
| net_income = {{decrease}} –US$162.0 million (2019)<ref name=fs2 />
| assets = US$3.62 billion (2019)<ref name=fs2/>
| equity = US$1.46 billion (2019)<ref name=fs2 />
| num_employees = 497+ (2019)<ref name=fs2 />
| website = {{url|iridium.com}}
}}

'''Iridium Communications Inc.''' (formerly '''Iridium Satellite LLC''') is a publicly traded [[United States|American]] company headquartered in [[McLean, Virginia|McLean, Virginia, United States]]. Iridium operates the [[Iridium satellite constellation]], a system of 80 satellites: 66 are active satellites and the remaining fourteen function as in-orbit spares.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Iridium Adds to Constellation Resilience with Launch of Spare Satellites |url=https://investor.iridium.com/2023-05-20-Iridium-Adds-to-Constellation-Resilience-with-Launch-of-Spare-Satellites |publisher=Iridium Communications Inc. |access-date=2024-12-10}}</ref> Iridium Satellites are used for worldwide voice and data communication from handheld [[satellite phone]]s, satellite messenger communication devices and integrated transceivers, as well as for two-way satellite messaging service from supported conventional [[Mobile phone|mobile phones]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/7/18207182/iridium-next-satellite-constellation-aireon-ads-b-air-traffic-control|title=How a new satellite constellation could allow us to track planes all over the globe|last=Grush|first=Loren|date=2019-02-07|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2019-11-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=thecyr |date=2021-12-30 |title=How Does Iridium Satellite Communications Work When Using the Garmin inReach and Zoleo for Communicating With Family and Friends |url=https://avoidingchores.com/how-does-iridium-satellite-communications-work-when-using-the-garmin-inreach-and-zoleo-for-communicating-with-family-and-friends |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Avoiding Chores |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iridium Project Stardust Satellite-to-Cellphone Offering Will Support 5G Messaging – Telecompetitor |url=https://www.telecompetitor.com/iridium-project-stardust-satellite-to-cellphone-offering-will-support-5g-messaging/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.telecompetitor.com}}</ref> The nearly [[polar orbit]] and communication between satellites via [[Inter-satellite service|inter-satellite]] links provide global service availability.

== History ==
The Iridium communications service was launched on November 1, 1998, formerly known as Iridium SSC. The first Iridium call was made from [[Vice President of the United States]] [[Al Gore]] to [[Gilbert Melville Grosvenor|Gilbert Grosvenor]], the great-grandson of [[Alexander Graham Bell]] and chairman of the [[National Geographic Society]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/34365/phones/iridium_satellite_phones___the_amazing_worldwide_service.html |title=Iridium Satellite Phones – The Amazing Worldwide Service |website=Streetdirectory.com |access-date=2016-02-24}}</ref> [[Motorola]] provided the technology and major financial backing.<ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Stephen |title=John F. Mitchell 1928–2009: Motorola Executive Helped Spur Cellphone Revolution, Oversaw Ill-fated Iridium Project |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124546835819133721 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=June 20–21, 2009 |page=A10}}</ref> The logo of the company represents the [[Big Dipper]].<ref>{{cite book |title = Brandsimple: how the best brands keep it simple and succeed |page = [https://archive.org/details/brandsimple00alle/page/101 101] |author = Allen P. Adamson |author2 = Martin Sorrell |publisher = Palgrave Macmillan |year = 2007 |isbn = 978-1-4039-8490-6 |url = https://archive.org/details/brandsimple00alle/page/101 }}</ref> The company derives its name from the [[chemical element]] [[iridium]], which has an [[atomic number]] of 77, equaling the initial number of satellites which were calculated to be required for global coverage.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Space exploration and humanity : a historical encyclopedia|date=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|editor=Johnson, Stephen B. |others=Chamberlin, Timothy M., Leverington, David, 1941–, American Astronautical Society. History Committee |isbn=978-1-85109-514-8|location=Santa Barbara, Calif.|oclc=280438759}}</ref> However, due to optimizations of orbit trajectories, technology updates and real-world conditions, only 66 are required for global coverage. A total of 95 satellites were launched in this constellation, with 66 active and the remaining 29 satellites operating as spares.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |date=July 7, 2017 |title=Iridium marks new satellite network, 20 healthy satellites & 55 more to launch. |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/07/iridium-satellite-network-55-more/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209093511/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/07/iridium-satellite-network-55-more/ |archive-date=9 February 2023 |access-date=2023-06-01 |website=Nasa Space Flight |language=en}}</ref>

On August 13, 1999, nine months after the launch of the organization, the founding company went into [[Chapter 11 bankruptcy]].<ref name="jitm">{{cite journal| url=http://jitm.ubalt.edu/XVI-2/article5.pdf| title=Good technology, bad management: A case study of the satellite phone industry
|author1=Jaejoo Lim |author2=Richard Klein |author3=Jason Thatcher | year=2005| volume=16| issue=2| issn=1042-1319| journal=Journal of Information Technology Management |pages=48–55 | publisher=Association of Management}}</ref> The handsets could not operate as promoted until the entire constellation of satellites was in place, requiring a massive initial [[capital cost]] of billions of dollars.<ref name="David Vernon">{{cite web |url=http://www.davidvernon.net/David_Vernon/The_Canberra_Journal/Entries/2007/2/20_A_Heavenly_Sign_-_The_Iridium_satellite_story.html |title=A Heavenly Sign – The Iridium satellite story |author=David Vernon |date=February 20, 2007 |access-date=2007-08-20}}</ref> The cost of service dissuaded many potential users. Reception indoors was difficult and the handheld devices, when compared to terrestrial cellular [[mobile phone]]s were bulkier and more expensive, both of which discouraged adoption among potential users.<ref name="jitm" />

Mismanagement is another major factor that was cited in the original program's failure. In 1999, [[CNN]] writer [[David Rohde]] detailed how he applied for Iridium service and was sent information kits, but was never contacted by a sales representative. He encountered programming problems on Iridium's website, and a "run-around" from the company's representatives.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9902/24/iridium.idg/ |title=So how do you order satellite service? |date=February 24, 1999 |author=David Rohde |publisher=CNN |access-date=2007-08-20}}</ref> After Iridium filed bankruptcy, it cited "difficulty gaining subscribers."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cnnmoneycontrol.com/1999/08/13/companies/iridium/ |title=Iridium files Chapter 11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425012310/http://cnnmoneycontrol.com/1999/08/13/companies/iridium/ |archive-date=2010-04-25 }}</ref>

The initial commercial failure of Iridium had a damping effect on other proposed commercial satellite constellation projects, including [[Teledesic]]. Other schemes ([[Orbcomm]], [[ICO Global Communications]], and [[Globalstar]]) followed Iridium into bankruptcy protection, while a number of other proposed schemes were never even constructed.<ref name="jitm" />

In August 2000, [[Motorola]] announced that the Iridium satellites would have to be deorbited.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.oceannavigator.com/January-February-2003/Iridium-reborn-Globalstar-expands/|title=Iridium reborn. Globalstar expands – Ocean Navigator – January/February 2003|website=www.oceannavigator.com|date=January 2003|access-date=2018-03-31}}</ref> Despite this, they remained in orbit and operational.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/681646.stm |title=Flaming end for satellites |date=March 18, 2000 |publisher=BBC |access-date=2007-08-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://partners.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/04/biztech/articles/11iridium.html?scp=1&sq=satellite%20phone&st=cse |title=Satellite Phone Company Falls to the Earth |website=Partners.nytimes.com |date=2000-04-11 |access-date=2016-02-24}}</ref> In December 2000, the US government stepped in to save Iridium by providing US$72 million in exchange for a two-year contract. They also approved the [[fire sale]] of the company from [[U.S. bankruptcy court|US bankruptcy court]] for $25 million<ref name=":0" /> in March 2001. This erased over $4 billion in debt.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/478/452/473103/|title=In Re Iridium Operating Llc, Iridium Capital Corp., Iridium Ip Llc, Iridium Llc, Iridium Roaming Llc, Iridium (potomac) Llc, and Iridium Promotions, Inc., Debtors.[478 F.3d 453]motorola, Inc., Appellant, v. Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors and Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.a., Appellees, 478 F.3d 452 (2d Cir. 2007)|work=Justia Law|access-date=2018-03-31|language=en}}</ref>

Iridium service was restarted in 2001, by the newly founded Iridium Satellite LLC, which was owned by a group of private investors.<ref name="David Vernon" />

On February 10, 2009, the [[Iridium 33]] satellite [[2009 satellite collision|collided]] with a defunct Russian satellite, named [[Kosmos 2251]], {{convert|800|km}} over [[Siberia]].<ref name="cbsnewscollision">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-and-russian-satellites-collide/|title=U.S. And Russian Satellites Collide|access-date=2009-02-11|last=Harwood|first=Bill|date=2009-02-11|work=CBS News}}</ref> Two large debris clouds were created.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/2-orbiting-satellites-collide-500-miles-up-20090212-857v.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711150458/http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/2-orbiting-satellites-collide-500-miles-up-20090212-857v.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 11, 2012 |title=2 orbiting satellites collide 500 miles up |publisher=AP DIGITAL |date=February 12, 2009 |access-date=2009-02-12 |location=Melbourne |first1=Seth |last1=Borenstein |first2=Douglas |last2=Birch }}</ref>

=== Iridium NEXT launch campaign ===

Iridium replaced its original constellation by sending 75 new Iridium satellites into space on [[SpaceX Falcon 9]] rockets in a series of 8 launches. The campaign also consisted of upgrades to Iridium ground infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathison |first=Mike |date=2016-09-14 |title=Iridium's Ground Infrastructure |url=https://apollosat.com/iridium-networks-ground-infrastructure/ |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Apollo Satellite |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110064553/https://apollosat.com/iridium-networks-ground-infrastructure/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Iridium NEXT]] launch campaign was announced in 2007. Within three years, Iridium completed financing and began work on launching new satellites.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iridium Completes Historic Satellite Launch Campaign |url=https://investor.iridium.com/2019-01-11-Iridium-Completes-Historic-Satellite-Launch-Campaign |access-date=2022-07-19 |website=Iridium Satellite Communications |language=en-US}}</ref> In June 2010, Iridium announced a fixed-price contract with [[Thales Alenia Space]] for the design and construction of the next-generation satellites for the upgraded constellation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investor.iridium.com/2010-06-02-Iridium-Announces-Comprehensive-Plan-For-Next-Generation-Constellation |title=Iridium Satellite Communications – Press Releases |publisher=Investor.iridium.com |access-date=2019-07-04}}</ref> Two weeks later, Iridium announced a $492 million contract designating the [[Falcon 9]] as a major provider of launch services for the Iridium NEXT campaign, becoming the largest single commercial launch deal ever signed (simultaneously representing a benchmark in cost-effective satellite delivery to space).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investor.iridium.com/june-16-2010-iridium-and-spacex-sign-major-commercial-launch-contract |title=Iridium Satellite Communications – Press Releases |publisher=Investor.iridium.com |date=2010-06-16 |access-date=2019-07-04}}</ref>

On January 14, 2017, 10 years after the campaign was first announced, the first of eight Iridium NEXT launches took place with [[SpaceX]] from [[Vandenberg Air Force Base]] in California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investor.iridium.com/january-14-2017-iridium-announces-successful-first-launch-of-iridium-next-satellites |title=Iridium Satellite Communications – Press Releases |publisher=Investor.iridium.com |access-date=2019-07-04}}</ref> Over the next two years, Iridium sent an additional 65 satellites into low Earth orbit to completely replace the original satellite constellation. The final [[Iridium NEXT]] launch took place on January 11, 2019, less than two years after the first launch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investor.iridium.com/2019-01-11-Iridium-Completes-Historic-Satellite-Launch-Campaign |title=Iridium Completes Historic Satellite Launch Campaign – Jan 11, 2019 |publisher=Investor.iridium.com |access-date=2019-07-04}}</ref>

The [[Iridium NEXT]] network covers the entire [[Earth]], including poles, oceans and airways, with 66 satellites, with the remaining nine acting as active backups, for a total of 75 launched.<ref name=":1" /> Six remain on the ground as spares for a total of 81 built.<ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=Iridium Coverage|url=https://www.satmodo.com/coverage/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116114848/http://satmodo.com/coverage/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 16, 2012|access-date=2021-05-12|website=Satmodo|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Dwyer |first=Rob |date=2022-09-08 |title=Iridium to launch ground spare satellites to supplement network |url=https://smartmaritimenetwork.com/2022/09/08/iridium-to-launch-ground-spare-satellites-to-supplement-satellite-network/ |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Smart Maritime Network |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Present status ==
Iridium Satellite LLC merged with a [[special-purpose acquisition company]] (GHQ) created by the investment bank [[Greenhill & Co.]] in September 2009 to create Iridium Communications Inc. The public company trades on [[Nasdaq|NASDAQ]] under the symbol "IRDM". The company surpassed one million subscribers in March 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investor.iridium.com/Mar-30-2018-fifth-successful-iridium-R-next-launch-completed-as-iridium-surpasses-1-million-subscribers|title=Fifth Successful Iridium® NEXT Launch Completed as Iridium Surpasses 1 Million Subscribers}}</ref> Revenue for the full year 2018 was $523.0 million with operational [[EBITDA]] of $302.0 million, a 14% increase from $265.6 million in the prior year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.iridium.com/2019-02-28-Iridium-Announces-Record-2018-Results-Company-Issues-2019-Outlook|title=Iridium Announces Record 2018 Results; Company Issues 2019 Outlook}}</ref>

Iridium manages several operations centers, including [[Tempe, Arizona]] and [[Leesburg, Virginia]], United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Selligence - Pre-Sales Intelligence to Optimise Your Activity |url=https://www.selligence.com/app/company/iridium-558703 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=www.selligence.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110064554/https://www.selligence.com/app/company/iridium-558703 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Company |url=https://www.iridium.com/company/ |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Iridium Satellite Communications |language=en-US}}</ref>

The system is being used by the [[United States Department of Defense|U.S. Department of Defense]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.gcn.com/print/17_30/33906-1.html |access-date=June 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803081835/http://www.gcn.com/print/17_30/33906-1.html |date=November 9, 1998|title=DISA establishes portal for telecom satellite system| first=Gregory |last=Slabodkin|archive-date=August 3, 2008 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=November 2021|reason=Citation is from 1998}}

Matt Desch is the current CEO of Iridium LLC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investor.iridium.com/directors.cfm|title=Board of Directors – Iridium Communications Inc.|website=investor.iridium.com|language=en|access-date=2018-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113035531/http://investor.iridium.com/directors.cfm|archive-date=2018-01-13|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Hosted Payload Alliance ===
Iridium is a founding member of the [[Hosted payload|Hosted Payload]] Alliance (HPA), a satellite industry alliance program. Membership in the HPA is open to satellite operators, satellite manufacturers, system integrators, and other interested parties.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hudson|first=Katie|title=Hosted Payload Alliance Announced to Promote Use on Commercial Satellites|url=http://www.hostedpayload.com/index.php?q=blog/hosted-payload-alliance-announced-to-promote-use-on-commercial-satellites|publisher=HostedPayload.com|access-date=15 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320064850/http://www.hostedpayload.com/index.php?q=blog%2Fhosted-payload-alliance-announced-to-promote-use-on-commercial-satellites|archive-date=20 March 2012}}</ref>

=== Air safety communications ===
In July 2011, the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) issued a ruling that approves the use of Iridium for [[Future Air Navigation System]] (FANS) data links, enabling satellite data links with air-traffic control for aircraft flying in the FANS environment, including areas not served by [[Inmarsat]] (above or below 70 degrees latitude) which includes polar routes.<ref>{{cite web|title=FAA Authorizes Iridium Satellite Data Service for Oceanic Airspace|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/st/headlines/FAA-Authorizes-Iridium-Satellite-Data-Service-for-Oceanic-Airspace_37080.html|publisher=Satellite Today|access-date=15 September 2011|archive-date=24 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324152310/http://www.satellitetoday.com/st/headlines/FAA-Authorizes-Iridium-Satellite-Data-Service-for-Oceanic-Airspace_37080.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Global Maritime Distress and Safety System ===
In January 2020, the [[Iridium satellite constellation|Iridium constellation]] was certified for use in the [[Global Maritime Distress and Safety System]] (GMDSS). The certification ended a [[monopoly]] on the provision of maritime distress services that had previously been held by [[Inmarsat]] since the system became operational in 1999.<ref name="nsf20200124">{{cite news|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/01/iridium-milestone-maritime-safety-breaks-monopoly/|title=Iridium marks major milestone with maritime safety, breaks monopoly|last=Gebhardt|first=Chris|work=NasaSpaceflight.com|date=23 January 2020|access-date=24 January 2020}}</ref>
=== Adoption of standard-based solutions for cellphones ===
{{Anchor|Adoption_of_standard-based_solutions_for_cellphones}}In 2023, [[Qualcomm]] and Iridium announced an agreement that was supposed to bring two-way satellite messaging service to [[Android (operating system)|Android]] smartphones. The service, called Snapdragon Satellite, should have been supported starting with devices that feature [[Qualcomm Snapdragon|Snapdragon]] 8 Gen 2 chipsets, which was expected to be launched in the second half of 2023. The solution for smartphones was supposed to utilize Iridium's [[L Band]] spectrum for downlink and uplink.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-09 |title=A Closer Look at Garmin & Qualcomm's Satellite Chipset Partnership |url=https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/01/qualcomms-garmin-emergency-satellite-partnership.html |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=DC Rainmaker |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Qualcomm announces Snapdragon Satellite for Android, and it's not just for emergencies |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomm_announces_snapdragon_satellite_twoway_satellite_messaging_for_android-news-57097.php |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=GSMArena.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

On November 9, 2023, Iridium announced that Qualcomm had notified them about the end of their partnership due to a lack of interest in Qualcomm's and Iridium's proprietary solution by smartphone manufacturers. A Qualcomm spokesman stated "Smartphone makers have indicated a preference towards standards-based solutions for satellite-to-phone connectivity. We expect to continue to collaborate with Iridium on standards-based solutions while discontinuing efforts on the proprietary solution that was introduced earlier this year."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kastrenakes |first=Jacob |date=2023-11-10 |title=Qualcomm's satellite SOS for Android feature didn't make it to launch |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/10/23955416/qualcomm-snapdragon-satellite-shut-down-emergency-sos-iridium |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iridium Announces New D2D Direction |url=https://investor.iridium.com/2023-11-09-Iridium-Announces-New-D2D-Direction |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Iridium Satellite Communications |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |date=2023-11-09 |title=Iridium, Qualcomm end satellite-to-phone partnership |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/09/iridium-announces-end-of-qualcomm-satellite-to-phone-partnership.html |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>

In 2024, Iridium introduced Project Stardust, a [[3GPP]] standard-based satellite-to-cellphone service focusing on messaging, emergency communications and IoT for devices like cars, smartphones, tablets and related consumer applications. The solution will be supported using a version of the NB-IoT standard for [[5G]] non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Scheduled for launch in 2026, it won't replace the company’s proprietary solution for voice and high-speed data; instead it will co-exist with that offering on the Iridium's existing global low-earth orbit satellite network.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iridium Project Stardust Satellite-to-Cellphone Offering Will Support 5G Messaging – Telecompetitor |url=https://www.telecompetitor.com/iridium-project-stardust-satellite-to-cellphone-offering-will-support-5g-messaging/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.telecompetitor.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iridium Unveils Project Stardust; Developing the Only Truly Global, Standards-Based IoT and Direct-to-Device Service |url=https://investor.iridium.com/2024-01-10-Iridium-Unveils-Project-Stardust-Developing-the-Only-Truly-Global,-Standards-Based-IoT-and-Direct-to-Device-Service |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Iridium Satellite Communications |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Russo-Ukrainian War ==
From 2015–2022, Iridium Satellite was selling navigation systems directly to its Russian subsidiary, Iridium Communications. In 2022, the Moscow-based subsidiary gave the [[National Guard of Russia]] access to the satellite constellation.  

Following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Iridium structured their operations to comply with US sanctions and stopped shipment of end-user equipment to Russia. Despite this, In 2023, Iridium Communications, via some unknown intermediaries, imported machines made by the American parent company for receiving and converting voice and images.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American satellite communications company Iridium keeps office in Moscow and works for the Russian defense industry |url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/09/28/american-satellite-communications-company-iridium-keeps-office-in-moscow-and-works-for-the-russian-defense-industry/ |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=euromaidanpress.com |date=28 September 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> 

== Iridium satellite constellation ==
{{Main|Iridium satellite constellation}}
The Iridium system requires 66 active satellites in [[low Earth orbit]] to complete its constellation and 9 spare satellites are kept in-orbit to serve in case of failure.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Dwyer |first=Rob |date=2022-09-08 |title=Iridium to launch ground spare satellites to supplement network |url=https://smartmaritimenetwork.com/2022/09/08/iridium-to-launch-ground-spare-satellites-to-supplement-satellite-network/ |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Smart Maritime Network |language=en-GB}}</ref> The satellites are in six [[polar orbit]]al planes at a height of approximately {{convert|485|mi|km|-1}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iridium Communications Network and Satellite Coverage |url=https://www.roadpost.com/iridium-satellite-network |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Roadpost USA |language=en}}</ref> Satellites communicate with neighboring satellites via [[Ka band]] [[Inter-Satellite Links|intersatellite links]] to relay communications to and from [[ground station]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathison |first=Mike |date=2016-09-14 |title=Iridium's Ground Infrastructure |url=https://apollosat.com/iridium-networks-ground-infrastructure/ |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Apollo Satellite |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110064553/https://apollosat.com/iridium-networks-ground-infrastructure/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The original constellation was launched in the late 1990s before the company went through bankruptcy. In January 2017, Iridium began to launch its next-generation satellites through its $3 billion launch campaign, [[Iridium NEXT]]. The new satellites were sent into space on SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicles from [[Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 4]] in California over the course of eight launches between January 2017 and January 2019.<ref name="Iridium">{{cite news
 |url         = http://www.hobbyspace.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=21434
 |title       = SpaceX offers a "great deal"
 |date        = 2010-06-17
 |work        = RLV and Space Transport News
 |access-date  = 2010-06-20
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110615173129/http://www.hobbyspace.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=21434
 |archive-date = 2011-06-15
}}</ref><ref>Pasztor, Andy, [https://www.wsj.com/articles/aging-iridium-network-waits-for-key-satellite-replacements-1471961801 "Aging Iridium Network Waits for Key Satellite Replacements"], ''Wall Street Journal'', August 23, 2016. Retrieved 2016-08-23.</ref> On January 14, 2017, SpaceX launched 10 of the new Iridium satellites into orbit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/14/spacex-successfully-returns-to-launch-with-iridium-1-next-falcon-9-mission/|title=SpaceX successfully returns to launch with Iridium-1 NEXT Falcon 9 mission|last=Etherington|first=Darrell|website=TechCrunch|date=14 January 2017 |access-date=2017-01-15}}</ref> The second launch of [[Iridium NEXT]] satellites took place on June 25, 2017 on a [[SpaceX]] [[Falcon 9|Falcon 9 rocket]] out of [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]]. This was the second of eight scheduled launches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/25/spacex-is-critical-to-iridiums-future-says-ceo-matt-desch.html/|title=SpaceX is 'critical' to Iridium's future, says CEO Matt Desch|last=Sheetz|first=Michael|website=CNBC|access-date=2017-06-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626030410/http://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/25/spacex-is-critical-to-iridiums-future-says-ceo-matt-desch.html|archive-date=2017-06-26|date=2017-06-25}}</ref> The third launch of 10 NEXT satellites took place on October 9, 2017. On December 22, 2017, ten additional satellites were deployed after a successful launch on a SpaceX [[Falcon 9|Falcon 9 rocket]]. On May 22, SpaceX successfully launched an additional five [[Iridium NEXT]] satellites from [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacex.com/news/2018/05/22/iridium-6grace-fo-mission|title=Iridium-6/GRACE-FO Mission|last=VWilson|date=22 May 2018|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151807/http://www.spacex.com/news/2018/05/22/iridium-6grace-fo-mission|archive-date=24 May 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On January 11, 2019, the final ten satellites were placed in orbit by [[SpaceX]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-launches-falcon9-rocket-iridium-next-satellites-live-stream-today-2019-01-11/|title=SpaceX launches Falcon 9 with final set of 10 Iridium network satellites|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=11 January 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-14}}</ref>

== Subscriber equipment ==

=== Handsets ===
Iridium offers four satellite handsets: the 9555, 9575A (which is only available to US government customers), the Extreme, and the Extreme PTT.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iridium.com/phones/|title=Phones|website=Iridium Satellite Communications|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref>

=== Wi-Fi Hotspots ===
In 2014, Iridium began to offer the Iridium Go! [[Hotspot (Wi-Fi)|hotspot]], which can also be used as a distress beacon under certain circumstances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/3048163/iridium-go-satellite-hotspot-review-more-like-iridium-no.html|title=Iridium Go satellite hotspot review: More like 'Iridium No'}}</ref> As of September 2020, Iridium's manufacturing contractor, Beam Communications, had built 50,000 of these devices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://themarketherald.com.au/beam-communications-asxbcc-iridium-go-hits-50000-units-2020-09-30/|title = Beam Communications' (ASX:BCC) Iridium GO! Hits 50,000 units – the Market Herald|date = 30 September 2020}}</ref>

=== One-way pagers ===
Two [[Pager|pagers]] were made for the Iridium network&nbsp;– the [[Motorola]] 9501 and [[Kyocera]] SP-66K.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satphone.net/kyopage.htm |title=Iridium Satellite Telephones – MJ Sales, Inc |website=Satphone.net |access-date=2016-02-24}}</ref> These are one-way devices that could receive messages sent in the form of [[SMS]].

Messages are delivered to pre-selected "MDAs" which cover a certain geographic area. Three of these MDAs may be selected on a web-based portal or updated automatically if the paging service is bound to an Iridium phone. Each country has its own MDA based on its [[country code]]; some of the larger countries are divided into several MDAs, while separate MDAs exist for sections of ocean and common aeronautic routes.

Pagers are assigned with telephone numbers in [[area code 480]] and can also be contacted using email, SMS and the web-based interface used to send messages to Iridium phones.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.voicemall.com/iridium_9501.htm |title=Iridium Satellite Phones by Outfitter Satellite Phones |website=Voicemall.com |access-date=2016-02-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307203448/http://www.voicemall.com/iridium_9501.htm |archive-date=2012-03-07 }}</ref>

=== Two-way satellite messengers ===
In 2017, [[Garmin]] announced inReach SE+ and inReach Explorer+ satellite communicators, which use Iridium satellite network for global coverage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-04 |title=Announcement: Garmin announces first devices with Satellite Communication Technology: Introducing the inReach SE+ and inReach Explorer+ |url=https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/featured-2/garmin-announces-first-devices-satellite-communication-technology-introducing-inreach-se-inreach-explorer/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Garmin Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> Garmin inReach mini, a satellite messenger, was announced a year later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-03 |title=Introducing inReach® Mini from Garmin® |url=https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/general/introducing-inreach-mini-from-garmin/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Garmin Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> These devices can send and receive text messages with any cell phone number, email address or another inReach device, as well as to provide location sharing, navigation and direct communication options to emergency services.

ZOLEO satellite communicator uses global Iridium network when cellular or Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable. It does so by means of Bluetooth connection to provide two-way messaging to connected smartphone or tablet devices.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZOLEO Satellite Communicator |url=https://www.rei.com/product/194833/zoleo-satellite-communicator |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=REI Co-op |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Other satellite phones ===
Several other Iridium-based telephones exist, such as [[payphone]]s,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/wcc-launches-first-iridium-based-global-satellite-pay-phone-accept-consumer-credit-cards-678732.htm |title=WCC Launches First Iridium-Based Global Satellite Pay Phone to Accept Consumer Credit Cards |website=Marketwired.com |date=2006-02-20 |access-date=2016-02-24 |archive-date=2018-11-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106171738/http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/wcc-launches-first-iridium-based-global-satellite-pay-phone-accept-consumer-credit-cards-678732.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> and equipment intended for installation on ships and aircraft. The DPL handset made by NAL Research combined with a 9522 transceiver is used for some of these products. This handset provides a [[user interface]] nearly identical to that of the 9505 series phones.<ref>{{cite web|url=ftp://ftp.nalresearch.com/Satellite%20Products/Accessories/DPL%20Handset/DPL%20Handset%20User's%20Guide%20(TN2007-201-V1.0).pdf|title=DPL handset user guide|website=Ftp.nalresearch.com|access-date=2016-02-24}}{{dead link|date=February 2016}}</ref>

=== Standalone transceiver units ===
These can be used for data-logging applications in remote areas (as in [[data collection satellite]]s). Some types of [[buoy]]s, such as those used for the [[tsunami warning system]], use Iridium satellites to communicate with their base. The remote device is programmed to call or send short [[Burst transmission|burst]] data (SBD) messages to the base at specified intervals, or it can be set to accept calls in order for it to offload its collected data.

The following transceivers have been released over the years:

*Iridium Core 9523 – Similar to the 9522B, a modular transceiver released in 2012
*Iridium 9522B&nbsp;– A transceiver released in late 2008, is smaller than the 9522A and has similar features. It also supports Circuit-Switched Data (CSD), not just SBD.
*Iridium 9522A&nbsp;– Based on the 9522, some variants have built in GPS and autonomous reporting functions. Supports SBD.
*Motorola 9522&nbsp;– Last Motorola transceiver, supports outgoing SMS but no SBD.
*Motorola 9520&nbsp;– Original transceiver module, does not support outgoing SMS or SBD. Designed for use in vehicles with accompanying handset<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.outfittersatellite.com/iridium_9520.htm |title=Iridium Satellite Phones For Sale |website=Outfittersatellite.com |access-date=2016-02-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416045951/http://www.outfittersatellite.com/iridium_9520.htm |archive-date=2012-04-16 }}</ref>

==== Short burst data modems ====
These devices support only SBD for [[Internet of things]] (IoT) services and do not use a SIM card.

*Iridium 9601&nbsp;– Supports only SBD, several [[tracking device]]s and other products have been built around this modem. It was an Iridium manufactured product designed as an OEM module for integration into applications that only use the Iridium Short Burst Data Service. Short Burst Data applications are supported through an RS-232 interface. Examples of these applications include maritime vessel tracking or automatic vehicle tracking.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iridium.com/products/iridium9601.aspx |access-date=November 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011010/http://www.iridium.com/products/iridium9601.aspx |title= Iridium 9601-Overview|archive-date=December 3, 2013 }}</ref>
*Iridium 9602&nbsp;– Smaller, cheaper version of 9601 (released in 2010).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iridium.com/products/Iridium9602.aspx |title=Products &#124; Iridium 9602 Transceiver |publisher=Iridium |access-date=2016-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810014047/http://www.iridium.com/products/Iridium9602.aspx |archive-date=2014-08-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Iridium 9603&nbsp;– One-fourth the volume and half the footprint of 9602<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iridium.com/products/Iridium-9603.aspx |access-date=December 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213001037/http://iridium.com/products/Iridium-9603.aspx |title= Iridium 9603-Overview| archive-date=February 13, 2013 }}</ref>

=== Iridium OpenPort ===
Iridium OpenPort is a broadband satellite voice and data communications system for maritime vessels. The system is used for crew calling and e-mail services on sea vessels such as merchant fleets, government and navy vessels, fishing fleets and personal yachts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Iridium OpenPort Global Service Program in Operation Effective April 1 |url=http://www.maritime-executive.com/pressrelease/iridium-openport-global-service-program-in-operation-effective-april-1 |publisher=The Maritime Executive |access-date=15 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320174824/http://www.maritime-executive.com/pressrelease/iridium-openport-global-service-program-in-operation-effective-april-1 |archive-date=20 March 2012 }}</ref>

Iridium operates at only 2.2 to 3.8&nbsp;[[Kilobit per second|kbit/s]], which requires very aggressive voice [[Data compression|compression]]<ref>US Patent application 20030195006</ref> and decompression [[algorithm]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mailasail.com/Support/Iridium-Bandwidth |title=Iridium Bandwidth and Internet Download Speeds – Support |publisher=MailASail |access-date=2016-02-24}}</ref> (By comparison, [[Adaptive Multi-Rate audio codec|AMR]] used in 3G phones requires a minimum of 4.75&nbsp;kbit/s, [[G.729]] requires 6.4&nbsp;kbit/s, and [[Internet Low Bitrate Codec|iLBC]] requires 13.33&nbsp;kbit/s.) Latency for data connections averages 1800&nbsp;[[Millisecond|ms]] round-trip, with a mode of 1300 to 1400&nbsp;ms and a minimum around 980&nbsp;ms.<ref name="latencyreport">{{cite web|url=http://www.dodccrp.org/events/10th_ICCRTS/CD/papers/233.pdf |title=MEASURING LATENCY IN IRIDIUM SATELLITE CONSTELLATION DATA SERVICES |author1=Margaret M. McMahon |author2=Ph. D |website=Dodccrp.org |access-date=2016-02-24}}</ref> Latency is highly variable depending on the path data takes through the satellite constellation as well the need for retransmissions due to errors, which may be around 2 to 3% for mobile originated packets under good conditions.

=== Iridium Certus ===
One of the Iridium NEXT services is Iridium Certus, a globally available satellite broadband which is capable of up to 704 Kbps of bandwidth across maritime, aviation, land mobile, government, and [[Internet of things|IoT]] applications. Terminals for the service are provided by [[Cobham (company)|Cobham]], Intellian Technologies and [[Thales Group|Thales]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-08 |title=What is Iridium Certus? |url=https://www.skytrac.ca/resources/magazine/what-is-iridium-certus/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=SKYTRAC Systems Ltd. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Intellian C700 Certus Maritime Terminal |url=https://www.intelliantech.com/en/products/iridium-certus-maritime-terminal/c700/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Intellian |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Thales and Cobham unveil Iridium Certus terminals |url=https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/news-content-hub/thales-and-cobham-unveil-iridium-certus-terminals-28204 |access-date=2022-06-09 |website=Riviera |language=En}}</ref>

=== Iridium STL ===
Iridium is providing Satellite Time & Location (STL) service.<ref name="STL">{{cite web |title=Iridium Satellite Time & Location |url=https://www.iridium.com/satellite-time-location/ |website=Iridium Satellite Communications |access-date=29 April 2024 }}</ref> It was developed by [[Satelles]] company, which was later acquired by Iridium Communications in April 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Iridium Completes Satelles Acquisition; Introduces Iridium Satellite Time and Location (STL) |url=https://investor.iridium.com/2024-04-02-Iridium-Completes-Satelles-Acquisition-Introduces-Iridium-Satellite-Time-and-Location-STL |website=Iridium Satellite Communications |date=2 April 2024 |access-date=29 April 2024}}</ref>

According to the company, it is the only [[Low Earth orbit|LEO]] satellite based commercial [[positioning, navigation, and timing]] (PNT) service (as of April 2024).<ref name="STL" />

== See also ==
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Mobile-satellite service]]
* [[Broadband Global Area Network]]
* [[DeLorme]]
* [[Globalsat Group]]
* [[Globalstar]]
* [[Gonets]]
* [[Inmarsat]]
* [[OneWeb]]
* [[O3b Networks]]
* [[SES Broadband]]
* [[Sky and Space Global]]
* [[Starlink (satellite constellation)|Starlink (SpaceX)]]
* [[Thuraya]]
* [[Quake Global]]
{{div col end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Iridium Communications}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070713191208/http://www.ocean.us/system/files/Iridium_TechWork_0.pdf Application of Iridium telecommunications to oceanographic and polar research]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070616082959/http://www.erziasat.com/savepdf.php?dir=dbfiles%2Fupload%2F&file=P-46_spec.pdf ''Iridium Data Modem''] (PDF)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050509094747/http://ardent.mit.edu/real_options/de%20Weck%20System%20Study/unit1_summary.pdf ''Technical success and economic failure''] (PDF), MIT

{{Satcomm|state=uncollapsed}}
{{Telecommunications}}
{{S&P 400 companies}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Iridium Communications| ]]
[[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1999]]
[[Category:2009 initial public offerings]]
[[Category:Satellite telephony]]
[[Category:Companies based in McLean, Virginia]]
[[Category:Communications satellite operators]]
[[Category:Mobile phone companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq]]
[[Category:Satellite Internet access]]
[[Category:Data collection satellites]]
[[Category:Companies in the S&P 400]]