Iridium Satellite says its constellation of satellites should retain mission functionality well into the next decade, following 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.”
