# Iridium 111

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471295](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471295)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-111

## Summary
Iridium 111 is an artificial satellite launched on January 14, 2017, as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was deployed from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, marking the first operational satellite in the Iridium NEXT series.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 14, 2017
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Full Thrust
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
- **COSPAR ID**: 2017-003K
- **Classification**: Artificial satellite
- **Part of**: Iridium NEXT constellation
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 41926

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Iridium 111?
A: Iridium 111 was part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, designed to replace the aging Iridium satellite network, providing global mobile communications services.

### Q: Which rocket launched Iridium 111?
A: Iridium 111 was launched using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, operated by SpaceX.

### Q: Where was Iridium 111 launched from?
A: The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 in California, USA.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Iridium 111?
A: The COSPAR ID for Iridium 111 is 2017-003K.

### Q: What is the SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) of Iridium 111?
A: The SCN for Iridium 111 is 41926.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 111 was a critical component of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which aimed to modernize global satellite communications. The Iridium NEXT system was designed to provide faster data speeds, improved coverage, and enhanced reliability compared to its predecessor. The satellite's successful deployment marked a significant step in restoring the Iridium network's capabilities, which had been compromised by the failure of the original Iridium constellation. The Iridium NEXT constellation, including Iridium 111, was intended to support various applications, including maritime, aviation, and remote communications, ensuring global connectivity for critical services.

## Notable For
- **First Iridium NEXT Satellite**: Iridium 111 was the first operational satellite launched in the Iridium NEXT series, marking the beginning of the constellation's deployment.
- **Modernized Communications**: The satellite contributed to the modernization of the Iridium network, improving data speeds and coverage.
- **Global Connectivity**: Part of a constellation designed to provide global mobile communications, including maritime and aviation services.
- **SpaceX Launch**: Launched by SpaceX's Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, demonstrating the company's capability in deploying large satellite constellations.
- **COSPAR and SCN Identification**: The satellite's COSPAR ID (2017-003K) and SCN (41926) are key identifiers in orbital tracking systems.

## Body
### Overview
Iridium 111 is an artificial satellite launched as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was deployed on January 14, 2017, using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4. The satellite is classified as an artificial satellite and is identified by its COSPAR ID (2017-003K) and SCN (41926).

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: January 14, 2017
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Full Thrust
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4

### Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 2017-003K
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 41926

### Role in Iridium NEXT
Iridium 111 was the first operational satellite in the Iridium NEXT constellation, designed to replace the aging Iridium satellite network. The constellation aimed to provide global mobile communications services with improved data speeds and coverage.

### Technical Specifications
- **Classification**: Artificial satellite
- **Part of**: Iridium NEXT constellation

### Significance
The launch of Iridium 111 marked a significant step in restoring the Iridium network's capabilities. The Iridium NEXT constellation, including Iridium 111, was intended to support various applications, including maritime, aviation, and remote communications, ensuring global connectivity for critical services.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report