SpaceX has launched the first batch of ten communication satellites for Iridium from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US.

Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the satellites are part of the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation.

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"To finally be here with ten Iridium NEXT satellites successfully launched into low-Earth orbit is a fulfilling moment.”

Currently positioned at a 625km temporary parking orbit, the newly launched satellites will be tested and exercised by Iridium over the next few weeks, and will replace and improve the company’s current low-Earth orbit satellites network spanning worldwide.

The latest launch has also marked the return flight of SpaceX Falcon rocket, which was grounded since last September due to a launchpad explosion, reported Reuters.

Iridium CEO Matt Desch said: "Today, Iridium launches a new era in the history of our company and a new era in space as we start to deliver the next-generation of satellite communications.

"We have been working endless hours for the last eight years to get to this day, and to finally be here with ten Iridium NEXT satellites successfully launched into low-Earth orbit is a fulfilling moment.”

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The company also is planning to deploy around 70 satellites under its Iridium NEXT constellation aboard the Falcon 9 rocket in the next 18 months.

Once operational, Iridium NEXT will provide a broadband multi-service capability, called Iridium Certus, in order to support innovative new services and technologies from Iridium's extensive partner network.

Both Thales Alenia Space and Orbital ATK are involved in the development of Iridium NEXT programme as system prime contractor and subcontractor, respectively.

Image: Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US. Photo: courtesy of Space Exploration Technologies.

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