Iridium
Iridium Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) Satellite Communication System
Seamless Global Connectivity with the Iridium Satellite Network
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Iridium Communications Inc. operates a constellation of 66 active low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites in the L-Band frequency, certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
This certification ensures that Iridium’s network remains stable and reliable even under the most severe maritime weather conditions.
The Iridium satellite system replaces the legacy INMARSAT maritime communication network established in 1979, ushering in a new era of real-time vessel data transmission, digital navigation, and carbon-emission management.
Key Features of the Iridium Global Satellite Network
．Truly Global Mobile Satellite Coverage
．66 Low-Earth-Orbit Satellites (LEO System)
．Seamless Worldwide Connectivity via 6 Cross-Link Orbital Planes
．Each Plane Incorporates 11 Interlinked LEO Satellites
．Orbital Altitude: 780 km (approximately twice the length of Taiwan)
．Each Satellite Projects 48 Spot Beams onto the Earth’s Surface
．L-Band Communication Certified under GMDSS for All-Weather Operation
Iridium VSAT Backup and Redundancy Solution
Iridium Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) Satellite System
The Iridium satellite constellation was successfully launched by SpaceX in January 2019, completing a network of 66 interconnected LEO satellites that now provide global, low-latency voice and data communication coverage.
Between 2016 and 2019, Iridium and SpaceX collaborated to deploy the most advanced satellite constellation to date, replacing the original Iridium system launched in 1998.
This upgrade marked a new chapter for maritime digitalization, enabling vessels of all types to adopt data-driven navigation, operational monitoring, and connectivity applications.
The new Iridium satellite system is called the new-generation Iridium satellite.
RECOGNITION
RECOGNITION
Certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the GMDSS
Certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the GMDSS
Maintains emergency communication capability even during severe weather and oceanic storms
Maintains emergency communication capability even during severe weather and oceanic storms
Iridium — Making the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Truly Global
Iridium — Making the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Truly Global
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