Iridium Communications has completed the first phase of testing of the Iridium NEXT platform software, which is designed to manage flight functions of the next-generation satellites.
The platform software is developed by Thales Alenia Space. It will handle flight functions such as power management, solar array positioning, propulsion operations, navigation and attitude control.
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SELEX Galileo has developed software for the multi-headed star tracker attitude sensors for the Iridium NEXT programme.
With this phase of testing, the company completed evaluating primary functions in preparation for the first launch planned for this year.
Iridium Communications COO Scott Smith said: "Completion of this testing phase is a huge step forward in launching the constellation.
"Through a close collaboration with Thales, we were able to develop this software successfully, and I have no doubt that continued rigorous testing will further prove its functionality and resiliency."
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By GlobalDataThe functionalities of the latest software are said to be similar to the existing one on Iridium’s current satellites, allowing autonomous recovery of the satellite.
Iridium will test the systems integration and added functionality capabilities of the software in the coming days.
Thales Iridium NEXT programme vice-president Denis Allard said: "The rigorous and lengthy testing process helps verify that the satellites will perform as planned, and will provide dependable service to the network for years to come."
The Iridium NEXT satellite network comprises of 81 satellites, including 66 low-Earth orbit operational satellites, six in-orbit spares, and nine ground-backup spacecraft.
The constellation is designed to provide greater bandwidth and data speeds, and serve as the platform for Aireon and Iridium PRIME.
