US-based SpaceX is set to launch Iridium Communications’ new ten-satellite constellation on 16 December from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
To be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the constellation is a part of Iridium NEXT satellite network.
The upcoming launch is contingent upon the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approval of SpaceX's return to flight following the anomaly that occurred in September.
The launch will also mark SpaceX's return to flight of its Falcon 9 rocket, a variant of which exploded in September when it was being fuelled for a routine pre-launch test at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US.
Iridium Communications CEO Matt Desch said: "We have remained confident in SpaceX's ability as a launch partner throughout the Falcon 9 investigation.
"We are grateful for their transparency and hard work to plan for their return to flight.
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By GlobalData“We are looking forward to the inaugural launch of Iridium NEXT, and what will begin a new chapter in our history."
Once launched, Iridium NEXT will replace the company’s existing commercial satellite network of low-earth orbit satellites.
Iridium has already collaborated with Thales Alenia Space to manufacture, assemble and test of Iridium NEXT, which comprises a group of 81 satellites.
Of the 81 satellites, 70 will be launched by SpaceX by early 2018.
Iridium NEXT is expected to provide faster speeds and higher throughputs across various industries, with plans to be commercially available by next year.
