# Iridium 131

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471080](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471080)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-131

## Summary
Iridium 131 is an artificial satellite launched on December 23, 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. The satellite is part of a global communications network designed to provide mobile voice and data services.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Artificial satellite
- **Launch Date**: December 23, 2017
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Full Thrust
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
- **COSPAR ID**: 2017-083K
- **Wikidata ID**: Q43079
- **Instance of**: Artificial satellite
- **Related Constellation**: Iridium NEXT

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Iridium 131?
A: Iridium 131 is part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which provides global mobile voice and data communications services, including satellite phone and low-speed data transmission.

### Q: Which rocket launched Iridium 131?
A: Iridium 131 was launched using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 on December 23, 2017.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID for Iridium 131?
A: The COSPAR ID for Iridium 131 is 2017-083K.

### Q: Is Iridium 131 part of a larger satellite network?
A: Yes, Iridium 131 is part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which consists of 66 satellites providing global communications services.

### Q: What is the significance of Iridium 131's launch date?
A: The launch date of December 23, 2017, marks the deployment of Iridium 131 as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which was designed to replace the original Iridium satellite network.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 131 is part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, a critical component of the modern global communications infrastructure. The Iridium NEXT system was launched to replace the aging Iridium satellite network, which had been providing mobile voice and data services since the 1990s. The constellation consists of 66 satellites in low Earth orbit, ensuring continuous coverage for satellite phones, maritime communications, and other remote data transmission needs. The launch of Iridium 131, along with its counterparts, represents a significant upgrade in performance, reliability, and capacity compared to the original Iridium system. This advancement has been crucial for industries relying on reliable satellite communications, including aviation, shipping, and disaster response.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Iridium NEXT constellation**: One of 66 satellites providing global mobile voice and data services.
- **Launched via Falcon 9 Full Thrust**: Utilized SpaceX's advanced rocket for deployment.
- **COSPAR ID 2017-083K**: Unique identifier for tracking and reference.
- **Low Earth Orbit**: Operates in a low Earth orbit to support mobile communications.
- **Replacement of the original Iridium system**: Part of a modernized satellite network for enhanced performance.

## Body
### Overview
Iridium 131 is an artificial satellite launched as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. The constellation consists of 66 satellites designed to provide global mobile voice and data communications services, including satellite phone and low-speed data transmission.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: December 23, 2017
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Full Thrust
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4

### Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 2017-083K
- **Wikidata ID**: Q43079

### Classification
- **Instance of**: Artificial satellite

### Related Entities
- **Iridium NEXT**: The constellation of which Iridium 131 is a member, providing global communications services.

Iridium 131's deployment is part of a broader initiative to modernize satellite communications, ensuring reliable connectivity for users worldwide.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report