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Boeing Delta 2 Delivers Latest Additions to Iridium Constellation
Vandenberg AFB - Feb 11, 2002 A Boeing Delta 2 rocket launched the latest additions to the Iridium satellite constellation Monday from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. at 9:44 a.m. PST. The Delta 2 launch vehicle deployed five satellites into low-Earth orbit to serve as spares for Iridium Satellite's worldwide communications network. Monday's launch of IS-1 marks the first Delta mission of 2002 and the 101st Boeing Delta 2 mission since 1989. The first satellite was placed into orbit 62 minutes into the mission, followed by the other four within 23 minutes. "We've teamed with Iridium since the early 1990s and the Delta 2 team is proud to add to the constellation again," said Jay Witzling, vice president and deputy program manager of Delta and Titan programs. "I've been in this business for many years, and have seen many launches, but it's still a thrill to see the rocket fly and to place a customer's spacecraft successfully into its proper orbit." To date, Boeing Delta 2 launch vehicles have successfully placed 60 of Iridium's satellites into orbit, starting with the initial launch in May 1997. The Boeing Delta team also has extensive experience with dual and multiple payload missions for government and commercial customers. Recent dual payload Delta 2 missions include Jason-1/TIMED and E0-1/SAC-C. Iridium Satellite LLC provides 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 Boeing, Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available. "In the past two years, the constellation has not required the use of any in-orbit spare," said Dannie Stamp, chief operating officer of Iridium Satellite LLC. "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." 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 service partners to sell and support the service globally. In December 2000, Iridium Satellite LLC acquired the assets of Iridium LLC including the satellite constellation, terrestrial network, Iridium real property and intellectual capital. The next Delta 2 launch is a U.S. Air Force Global Positioning Satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla and slated for March 6. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Iridium Iridium Delta 2 Launch Page at Boeing Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Satellite Constellation - multiple satellite deployments in LEO and Beyond
XM Canada Launches Canada's First Satellite Radio Service
Toronto ON (SPX) Nov 24, 2005XM Canada Tuesday announced the launch of Canada's first satellite radio service with an exclusive offer to its Founders Club members to purchase XM satellite radios and sign-up for service on-line starting Tuesday. |
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