Iridium NEXT

Iridium NEXT refers to the second-generation worldwide network of telecommunications satellites, launched by Iridium Communications Inc. This constellation of 66 active satellites, along with in-orbit and ground spares, provides global coverage for maritime, aviation, terrestrial and government communications. The Iridium NEXT system is unique in its use of inter-satellite links, which allow the satellites to communicate with each other, providing a mesh network in space that ensures continuous coverage even if one satellite fails. This is particularly important in the maritime context, where reliable communication is critical for safety, navigation, and operational efficiency. The Iridium NEXT system supports a range of services including voice and data communications, machine-to-machine (M2M) services, and broadband applications. The system also carries hosted payloads for other applications, such as earth observation and scientific research. The Iridium NEXT system was fully deployed by 2019, replacing the original Iridium constellation.