# Iridium 104

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471290](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471290)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-104

## Summary
Iridium 104 is an artificial satellite launched on January 14, 2017, as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket. The satellite has a COSPAR ID of 2017-003F and a satellite catalog number (SCN) of 41922.

## Key Facts
- Launched on January 14, 2017, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
- Satellite catalog number (SCN): 41922
- COSPAR ID: 2017-003F
- Instance of: artificial satellite
- Launch vehicle: Falcon 9 Full Thrust
- Part of the Iridium NEXT constellation
- Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "41922"]

### Q: What is Iridium 104?
A: Iridium 104 is an artificial satellite launched in 2017 as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which provides global satellite communications services.

### Q: When was Iridium 104 launched?
A: Iridium 104 was launched on January 14, 2017, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 in California.

### Q: What rocket launched Iridium 104?
A: Iridium 104 was launched using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, which is the third major version of SpaceX's Falcon 9 orbital launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 104 plays a crucial role in the Iridium NEXT constellation, which represents a significant upgrade to the original Iridium satellite network. This constellation provides global satellite communications, including voice and data coverage to satellite phones, pagers, and integrated transceivers across the Earth's entire surface. The Iridium NEXT satellites, including Iridium 104, offer enhanced capabilities compared to their predecessors, including improved data speeds and reliability. This network is particularly valuable for remote areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable, serving industries such as maritime, aviation, government, and emergency services. The successful deployment of Iridium 104 and its sister satellites ensures continued global connectivity and represents a major advancement in satellite communications technology.

## Notable For
- Part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which replaced the original Iridium satellites
- Launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, demonstrating commercial space industry capabilities
- Provides global satellite communications coverage, including polar regions
- Represents the 104th satellite in the Iridium constellation
- Enhanced capabilities compared to previous Iridium satellites, including improved data speeds

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Iridium 104 is a communications satellite with specific technical characteristics that enable its role in the Iridium NEXT constellation. The satellite operates in low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 780 kilometers.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on January 14, 2017, as part of a larger deployment of Iridium NEXT satellites. This launch marked a significant milestone in the replacement of the original Iridium constellation, which had been in operation since the 1990s.

### Constellation Role
As the 104th satellite in the Iridium constellation, Iridium 104 contributes to a network of cross-linked satellites that provide global coverage. The satellite's position and capabilities allow it to communicate with other satellites in the constellation, creating a mesh network that ensures continuous coverage even in remote areas.

### Operational Capabilities
Iridium 104, like other satellites in the Iridium NEXT constellation, offers enhanced data speeds and improved reliability compared to its predecessors. This improvement in technology allows for better quality voice communications and faster data transmission, benefiting users in various industries including maritime, aviation, and emergency services.

### Future Implications
The successful deployment of Iridium 104 and other Iridium NEXT satellites represents a significant investment in satellite communications infrastructure. This constellation is expected to serve users for many years, providing a reliable alternative to terrestrial communication networks in areas where they are unavailable or unreliable.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report