Iridium Satellite Predicts Constellation Life Span to Extend Through Mid-2010; External Study Supports Prediction
ARLINGTON, Va. — Iridium Satellite LLC announced today that it predicts
its constellation of satellites will retain mission functionality into
the next decade, based on internal analyses of satellite and operational
data, as well as an external study by an independent company.
Iridium contracted with The Aerospace Corporation of El Segundo, Calif.,
to conduct the study, based on several years of actual on-orbit
reliability data provided by Iridium. Incorporating assumptions of
planned future software and operational improvements, the analysis
indicated that the Iridium constellation would likely remain viable
into the next decade.
“Based on our observations and The Aerospace Corporation’s analysis,
we are confident that the Iridium satellite constellation will deliver
services to customers through mid-2010. The operational constellation
is performing beautifully, and with the 14 in-orbit and ground spares
we’ll continue providing quality service for years to come,” said Gino
Picasso, Iridium Satellite CEO. “Iridium continues to drive toward its
business plan objectives. Our solid financial backing, a growing
government and industrial customer base, the Department of Defense
contract and the anticipated life of the constellation communicate to
the marketplace that Iridium Satellite is poised for continued growth
and success.”
Dannie Stamp, Iridium Satellite Chief Operating Officer and former
director of Space Satellite Systems for the Iridium program said, “In
the past two years, the constellation has not required the use of any
in-orbit spare. Through a robust architecture and a highly-skilled
team of operators and engineers, the reliability of the Iridium
satellite constellation is far exceeding original design predictions.”
Comprised of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites plus spares, the
Iridium Satellite constellation delivers global voice and data services
to industrial customers around the world who require communications
to and from remote locations. In 2002, Iridium Satellite will launch
additional spare satellites to ensure the system’s long-term
performance.
About Iridium Satellite LLC
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
http://www.iridium.com or call 866-947-4348 (in the U.S.);
+1 480-752-5155 (internationally).
About The Aerospace Corporation
The Aerospace Corporation is an independent, non-profit company that
provides objective technical analyses and assessments for national
security space programs and selected civil and commercial space
programs in the national interest. The company’s assessment of the
Iridium constellation is an objective, scientific analysis of orbital
and spacecraft data and operational assumptions provided by Iridium
Satellite LLC. It does not constitute an endorsement of any commercial
product or service provided by Iridium Satellite LLC.
