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Iridium NEXT is a planned satellite constellation, foreseen to replace the Iridium constellation.
Iridium NEXT is a second-generation worldwide network of telecommunications satellites, consisting of 66 satellites and six in-orbit and nine ground spares. These satellites will incorporate features such as data transmission which were not emphasized in the original design. The original plan was to begin launching new satellites in 2014. Satellites will incorporate additional payload such as cameras and sensors in collaboration with some customers and partners. Iridium can also be used to provide a data link to other satellites in space, enabling command and control of other space assets regardless of the position of ground stations and gateways. The constellation will provide L-band data speeds of up to 1.5 Mbit/s and High-speed Ka-Band service of up to 8 Mbit/s. The existing constellation of satellites is expected to remain operational until Iridium NEXT is fully operational.
The Iridium constellation is owned and operated by Iridium Communications Inc.
