IRIDIUM 129

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IRIDIUM 129 is classified as:

Iridium

NORAD ID: 42958

Int'l Code: 2017-061D

Launch date: October 9, 2017
Source: United States (US)
Launch site: AIR FORCE WESTERN TEST RANGE (AFWTR)

IRIDIUM 129 is one of the 10 Iridium satellites placed on orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on October 9, 2017. All satellites were inserted into Plane 4 of the Iridium constellation, which is spread around the globe in six orbital planes, or pathways, to ensure worldwide coverage. The Iridium fleet requires at least 66 operational satellites for constant global service. Designed for 15-year lifetimes, the new satellites replace aging spacecraft that have relayed voice and data traffic around the world since the late 1990s and early 2000s. All of the Iridium Next satellites host radio receivers for Aireon, an affiliate of Iridium established in partnership with air traffic control authorities in Canada, Ireland, Italy and Denmark.

1 42958U 17061D   26258.71794857  .00000074  00000-0  19479-4 0  9999
2 42958  86.4027 347.4249 0002355  98.9693 261.1769 14.34217534467776

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC