On February 5, 2019, Iridium, a satellite communications company and Effortech partner, completed the replacement of its low Earth orbit satellite system with a new next-generation network known as Iridium® NEXT!
The Iridium satellite constellation is unlike any other in orbit and is the only communications network with complete Earth coverage, from the South Pole to the North Pole. The new network consists of 75 cross-linked satellites, 66 active and 9 spares, that provide coverage across the entire planet.
Unlike other satellite systems, Iridium’s network architecture enables real-time data to move to and from anywhere on the globe without the need for numerous ground stations and maintains consistent, high-quality coverage, including oceanic and polar regions.
Iridium’s upgraded constellation enables services never before possible, such as the global aircraft tracking and surveillance system. The upgraded network is also fully compatible with services from the previous satellite constellation, a remarkable achievement given the size and scope of the upgrade.
Currently, Iridium technology is embedded in the ICON ST and ICON PRO ST satellite terminals developed by Effortech, which enable communication between electronic devices via satellite, eliminating the need for cellular, LoRa and other networks.
Video (in English) telling the story of the Iridium satellites
Source: Iridium Communications Inc.
