An artist's concept of an Iridium satellite orbiting the Earth. Photo: Iridium

Iridium Satellite LLC says 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.

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.

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.