The Falcon 9 launch vehicle developed by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) will provide launch services for the Iridium NEXT constellation of satellites under a $492m deal.
The Falcon 9 will carry multiple Iridium satellites and place them into a low-earth orbit (LEO), with Iridium replacing its current satellite constellation.
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The satellites are set to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California between 2015 and 2017.
Iridium previously awarded a contract to Thales Alenia Space to develop 81 satellites including six in-orbit spare satellites and nine ground spares for the Iridium NEXT constellation.
Falcon 9 is a two-stage launch vehicle capable of lifting 11t to LEO. It recently achieved 100% of its mission objectives in its maiden flight.
Iridium Communications is also in the process of selecting at least one additional launch services provider.
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By GlobalData
