# Iridium 121

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471213](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471213)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-121

## Summary
Iridium 121 is an artificial satellite launched on June 25, 2017, as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 aboard a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket. The satellite has a COSPAR ID of 2017-039K and is identified by the satellite catalog number 42812.

## Key Facts
- Launched on June 25, 2017, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
- Launched aboard a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket
- COSPAR ID: 2017-039K
- Satellite catalog number: 42812
- Part of the Iridium NEXT constellation
- Instance of: artificial satellite
- Described as a satellite on Wikidata

## FAQs
### Q: What is Iridium 121?
A: Iridium 121 is an artificial satellite launched on June 25, 2017, as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 aboard a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket.

### Q: When was Iridium 121 launched?
A: Iridium 121 was launched on June 25, 2017.

### Q: What rocket launched Iridium 121?
A: Iridium 121 was launched aboard a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Iridium 121?
A: The COSPAR ID of Iridium 121 is 2017-039K.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 121 is part of 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 areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable. The launch of Iridium 121 and its companion satellites helps maintain and enhance this critical infrastructure for global communications, particularly in remote areas, maritime environments, and aviation. The use of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket for this launch also demonstrates the growing role of commercial launch providers in deploying satellite constellations.

## Notable For
- Part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, a major upgrade to the original Iridium network
- Launched aboard the Falcon 9 Full Thrust, showcasing commercial launch capabilities
- Provides global satellite communications coverage
- Launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4, a key facility for polar orbit launches
- Identified by satellite catalog number 42812, allowing for precise tracking and identification

## Body
### Launch Details
Iridium 121 was launched on June 25, 2017, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 in California. This launch site is particularly suited for polar orbit launches, which is typical for satellite constellations designed to provide global coverage.

### Launch Vehicle
The satellite was launched aboard a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, which is the third major version of SpaceX's Falcon 9 orbital launch vehicle. This launch demonstrated the reliability of the Falcon 9 for commercial satellite deployments.

### Satellite Identification
Iridium 121 is identified by several key numbers:
- Satellite Catalog Number: 42812
- COSPAR ID: 2017-039K

These identifiers allow for precise tracking and cataloging of the satellite in various space situational awareness databases.

### Constellation Membership
As part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, Iridium 121 contributes to a network of satellites designed to provide global satellite communications. This constellation replaced the original Iridium constellation, offering improved capabilities and reliability.

### Technical Classification
Iridium 121 is classified as an artificial satellite, which is a human-made object intentionally placed into orbit around Earth. This classification is consistent with its function as a communications satellite in the Iridium network.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report