# Iridium 126

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471210](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471210)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-126

## Summary
Iridium 126 is an artificial satellite launched on June 25, 2017, as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was deployed using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4. The satellite is part of a global communications network designed to provide mobile voice and data services worldwide.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Artificial satellite
- **Launch Date**: June 25, 2017
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Full Thrust
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
- **COSPAR ID**: 2017-039G
- **Wikidata ID**: 42809
- **Instance of**: Artificial satellite
- **Related System**: Iridium NEXT constellation

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Iridium 126?
A: Iridium 126 is part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which provides global mobile voice and data communications services, including satellite phone and low-speed internet access.

### Q: Which rocket launched Iridium 126?
A: Iridium 126 was launched using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 on June 25, 2017.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Iridium 126?
A: The COSPAR ID for Iridium 126 is 2017-039G.

### Q: Is Iridium 126 part of a larger satellite network?
A: Yes, Iridium 126 is part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which consists of 66 satellites designed to replace the original Iridium satellite network.

### Q: What is the significance of Iridium 126's launch date?
A: The launch date of June 25, 2017, marks the deployment of Iridium 126 as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which was completed in 2018 to restore global satellite communications.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 126 is part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, a critical upgrade to the original Iridium satellite network. Launched in 2017, it was one of 66 satellites deployed to replace the aging first-generation Iridium system. The constellation provides global mobile voice and data services, including satellite phone and low-speed internet access, which is essential for remote and maritime operations. The Iridium NEXT system was fully operational by 2018, offering improved performance and reliability compared to its predecessor. This satellite network plays a vital role in global communications, particularly in regions where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or unavailable.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Iridium NEXT constellation**: One of 66 satellites launched to replace the original Iridium system.
- **Global communications**: Provides mobile voice and data services, including satellite phone and low-speed internet access.
- **Launched by SpaceX**: Deployed using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, demonstrating SpaceX's capability in commercial satellite launches.
- **COSPAR ID 2017-039G**: Unique identifier assigned by the Committee on Space Research.
- **Wikidata ID 42809**: Official identifier in the Wikidata knowledge base.

## Body
### Overview
Iridium 126 is an artificial satellite launched as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. The constellation consists of 66 satellites designed to replace the original Iridium satellite network, which was decommissioned in 1999 due to financial difficulties. The Iridium NEXT system was developed to provide global mobile voice and data communications services, including satellite phone and low-speed internet access.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: June 25, 2017
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Full Thrust
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
- **COSPAR ID**: 2017-039G
- **Wikidata ID**: 42809

### Role in the Iridium NEXT Constellation
Iridium 126 is one of 66 satellites deployed to form the Iridium NEXT constellation. The system was fully operational by 2018, offering improved performance and reliability compared to the original Iridium network. The constellation provides global mobile voice and data services, which are critical for remote and maritime operations.

### Technical Specifications
- **Class**: Artificial satellite
- **Instance of**: Artificial satellite
- **Related System**: Iridium NEXT constellation

### Significance
The Iridium NEXT constellation plays a vital role in global communications, particularly in regions where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or unavailable. The system provides mobile voice and data services, including satellite phone and low-speed internet access, which are essential for remote and maritime operations. The launch of Iridium 126 and the subsequent deployment of the Iridium NEXT constellation marked a significant milestone in the evolution of satellite communications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report