# Iridium 136

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471137](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471137)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-136

## Summary
Iridium 136 is an artificial satellite launched on October 9, 2017. It was deployed into orbit using a Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4. The satellite is tracked under the COSPAR ID 2017-061H and the Satellite Catalog Number 42962.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Iridium 136 is an artificial satellite, defined as a human-made object put into orbit.
- **Launch Date:** October 9, 2017.
- **Launch Vehicle:** The satellite was launched aboard a Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket, which is the fourth major version of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2017-061H.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 42962.
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "42962"].

## FAQs
### Q: When was Iridium 136 launched?
A: Iridium 136 was launched on October 9, 2017.

### Q: What rocket was used to deploy Iridium 136?
A: The satellite was deployed using a Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket, a variant of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle.

### Q: Where did the launch of Iridium 136 take place?
A: The launch originated from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 136 serves as a specific data point in the catalog of human-made objects in Earth's orbit. As an instance of an artificial satellite, it represents the ongoing utilization of space infrastructure maintained by tracking systems such as those using COSPAR IDs and Satellite Catalog Numbers. Its launch aboard the Falcon 9 Block 4 highlights the specific era of rocketry preceding the transition to newer vehicle iterations, marking it as a payload associated with the fourth major version of the Falcon 9 family. The entry of this object into orbit contributes to the broader network of satellites tracked for orbital management and scientific observation.

## Notable For
- Being a distinct artificial satellite tracked with the unique identifier COSPAR ID 2017-061H.
- Launching aboard the Falcon 9 Block 4, a specific major version of the prominent Falcon 9 rocket family.
- Being identified in computational knowledge bases via the Wolfram Language entity code `Entity["Satellite", "42962"]`.
- Originating from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4, a key site for orbital insertions.

## Body

### Classification and Identification
Iridium 136 is classified as an **artificial satellite**, which is defined as a human-made object put into an orbit around Earth or another celestial body. The satellite is uniquely identified in international and computational records through several specific designators:
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2017-061H
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 42962
*   **Wolfram Language Entity:** `Entity["Satellite", "42962"]`

### Launch Mission Details
The satellite was successfully launched on **October 9, 2017**. The mission utilized the **Falcon 9 Block 4** rocket, which is categorized as the fourth major version of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle series. The physical starting point for the mission was the **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4**.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report