# Iridium 13

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111498623](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111498623)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-13

## Summary
Iridium 13 is a decommissioned satellite that was part of the Iridium satellite constellation, launched in 1997 to provide global voice and data coverage. It operated until 2018, when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere. The satellite was deployed using a Russian Proton-K rocket and played a role in the early infrastructure of the Iridium network.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 18, 1997
- **Part of**: Iridium satellite constellation
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-030E
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 24840
- **Deorbit Date**: April 29, 2018
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23

## FAQs
### Q: When was Iridium 13 launched?
A: Iridium 13 was launched on June 18, 1997, aboard a Proton-K rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

### Q: What happened to Iridium 13?
A: The satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere on April 29, 2018, concluding its operational lifespan.

### Q: What was the purpose of Iridium 13?
A: It provided voice and data communication services as part of the Iridium constellation, supporting global coverage.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 13 was a critical component of the Iridium satellite constellation, one of the first systems to offer truly global telecommunications coverage. As part of this network, it enabled voice and data connectivity in remote regions lacking traditional infrastructure, contributing to advancements in remote communication. Its 21-year operational lifespan demonstrated the durability of early satellite technology, despite the eventual decommissioning. The satellite’s role in the Iridium system highlights the importance of satellite constellations in bridging communication gaps worldwide, a foundational concept for modern networks like Starlink.

## Notable For
- **First-Generation Iridium Satellite**: Part of the original 66-satellite constellation launched in the 1990s.
- **Proton-K Launch**: Deployed using a Soviet-era Russian rocket, showcasing international collaboration in space technology.
- **21-Year Operational Lifespan**: Operated from 1997 until its atmospheric re-entry in 2018, exceeding initial design expectations.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
Iridium 13 was launched on June 18, 1997, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23 in Kazakhstan. The launch vehicle was a Proton-K rocket, a Soviet-designed carrier used extensively for satellite deployments.

### Mission
As part of the Iridium satellite constellation, the satellite provided voice and data services to users globally. The constellation was designed to offer continuous coverage through a network of low-Earth orbit satellites, ensuring connectivity in areas without ground-based infrastructure.

### Decommissioning
After 21 years in orbit, Iridium 13 re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on April 29, 2018. This marked the end of its operational life, consistent with the eventual deorbiting of first-generation Iridium satellites due to orbital decay and technological upgrades to the constellation.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-030E  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 24840  
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "24840"]  

### Legacy
Iridium 13 exemplifies the early development of satellite constellations for global communication. Its launch and operation were part of a broader effort to commercialize space-based telecommunications, paving the way for modern satellite internet services.

## References

1. SATCAT