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NEW
Iridium and SpaceX-a partnership that is opening up a new generation of space
Release time:
2022-01-10 13:38
Source:
Iridium
In this industry, innovation, precision and collaboration are key to bringing revolutionary technologies to market. As Iridium CEO Matt Dehy said, "In the space space space space, we have to work with other companies. Partnerships are critical, and our partnership with SpaceX proves how important collaboration is to success."
SpaceX is a leading commercial space exploration company in the design, manufacture and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft. It provides regular cargo resupply missions for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and is the first rocket supplier to plan to send humans to Mars. But before its reputation for good or bad, SpaceX was a startup with big goals. In 2010, Iridium believed in the company's vision and signed them to launch the next generation of global satellite system, Iridium NEXT, becoming SpaceX's largest commercial customer. Iridium company put its biggest project in the hands of a startup, which is basically a trust in the future of SpaceX.
As Iridium's sole launch provider, the partnership with SpaceX is an example of trust, wisdom and perseverance. Iridium Chief Operating Officer Scott Smith pointed out: "There are too many variables to consider when preparing for launch, and any small deviation or unexpected behavior may endanger the integrity of the launch."
Today, SpaceX employs more than 4000 people, and Iridium remains its largest commercial customer. Seven years ago, Iridium bought a new SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that will set a new standard for the space industry, with the goal of launching nine satellites. Over the years, the rocket has outperformed expectations and now allows Iridium to launch 10 Iridium Nexes on each Falcon 9 rocket, a remarkable technical achievement.
Each Iridium NEXT satellite weighs 1900 pounds, about the weight of a Mini Cooper car. From this perspective, each rocket going to space will carry about 19000 pounds-that's the weight of a semi-tractor trailer!
These two companies have experienced numerous challenges; however, on January 14, 2017, the first batch of Iridium NEXT appeared. On that day, SpaceX successfully launched the first 10 Iridium NEXT satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. All subsequent launches will feature the same type of rocket, which is built entirely in the United States and designed to be the world's first fully reusable rocket, ultimately reducing the cost of space travel.
Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX's president and chief operating officer, said: "I think both companies (Iridium and SpaceX) are incredibly innovative companies. Iridium and SpaceX obviously like to change concepts-change for the better, not change for the sake of change."
Desch continued: "In order to build a successful LEO satellite network, you have to take it to a level of size. You need to be 10 times better than the competition. Working with SpaceX allows us to find an achievable and cost-effective launch plan that sets us apart and allows us to start the largest technological update in the history of space."
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