Iridium Communications is developing a narrowband-internet of things non-terrestrial network service based on 3GPP 5G standards that would enable direct-to-device capabilities like 5G NTN messaging and emergency SOS on mobile. Iridium said Wednesday that the NB-NTN service, called Project Stardust, will be deployed on its existing constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, which are already undergoing early-stage programming to accommodate the requirements of partner companies like smartphone makers, mobile network operators and chipmakers.

More

Iridium Communications has sent five spare satellites to orbit as part of its 10-year constellation resilience plan and in an effort to ensure continued delivery of critical network services to end users. The company announced Saturday that it launched additional spare satellites on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, bringing its on-orbit spacecraft to 14. In […] More

Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium, recently met with Executive Mosaic CEO Jim Garrettson to receive his 2023 Wash100 Award. A Wash100 win represents the highest honor for executives in the vast government contracting industry. For 10 years, the award has hand-picked the strongest, most influential leaders in the field using a complex selection process that carefully weighs the […] More

Iridium Communications has designated the National Geographic Society Exploration Technology Lab as a value-added developer of Iridium Connected devices as part of a philanthropic program with the National Geographic Society meant to advance research and exploration. Iridium said Tuesday it will work with the Exploration Technology Lab to develop technologies that could deliver satellite communications […] More

Iridium Communications has launched a portable satellite communication device that can be paired with smartphones, laptops and tablets to make calls, use office or chat applications and transmit emails, photos and other data. Based on the Iridium Certus technology, the Iridium GO! exec can allow multiple users to wirelessly link their smart devices to the […] More

Iridium Communications has authorized GIT Satellite Communications to deliver the Certus global satellite broadband connection service to U.S. government customers. GIT said Thursday it has expanded its voice and data communications offerings for the federal government to include access to Iridium’s global L-band broadband and mid-band connectivity. Scott Scheimreif, executive vice president of government programs […] More

Iridium Communications and Qualcomm Technologies have agreed to enable satellite and emergency messaging services in various smartphone brands with plans to expand the capability to personal computers, vehicles and other consumer devices. Smartphones equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite, which is backed by the Iridium satellite network, will enable users to gain global coverage and transmit […] More

Iridium Communications has named three new service providers to deliver the Certus global satellite broadband connection service to U.S. government customers. The McLean, Virginia-headquartered company said Wednesday MetOcean Telematics, NAL Research and Trace Systems are now authorized to distribute mobile communications services, such as voice, data and live-action video, through the L-band broadband network. “With […] More

SpaceX will use its Falcon 9 rocket to launch up to five of the six ground spare satellites of Iridium Communications in mid-2023 as part of the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation. The Iridium-9 mission will take off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and will serve as the company’s second rideshare with SpaceX, Iridium […] More

Iridium Communications looks to send five backup satellites to space by availing cost-effective, rideshare opportunity and anticipates a potential $35 million deal for the launch service, SpaceNews reported Thursday. Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium and a 2022 Wash100 Award recipient, said the plan to deploy the majority of the six ground spares is meant to […] More

Senior officials at Iridium Communications said the U.S. Space Force is interested in adopting the company’s satellite broadband communications services as the military branch advances the Joint All Domain Command and Control concept, Breaking Defense reported Friday. Scott Scheimreif, executive vice president for government programs at Iridium, said the company intends to provide the Space […] More

Iridium Communications and Videosoft Global have partnered to help customers transmit live videos at ultra-low bandwidth using technology that can operate with terminals connected to the Certus satellite broadband network. VideoSoft’s FireLight platform will allow network users to send content for as low as 4 kilobits per second via authorized satellite terminals, Iridium said Monday. […] More