# Iridium 137

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471076](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471076)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-137

## Summary
Iridium 137 is an artificial satellite launched on December 23, 2017, as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket. The satellite is identified by the COSPAR ID 2017-083G and has a satellite catalog number (SCN) of 43076.

## Key Facts
- Launched on December 23, 2017, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
- Launched using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket
- Satellite catalog number (SCN) is 43076
- COSPAR ID is 2017-083G
- Instance of an artificial satellite
- Part of the Iridium NEXT constellation
- Described as a satellite in Wikidata

## FAQs
### Q: What is Iridium 137?
A: Iridium 137 is an artificial satellite launched on December 23, 2017, as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket.

### Q: When was Iridium 137 launched?
A: Iridium 137 was launched on December 23, 2017.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Iridium 137?
A: Iridium 137 was launched using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 137 is significant as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which represents a major upgrade to the global satellite communications network. This constellation provides enhanced global voice and data coverage, improving connectivity for commercial, government, and military users worldwide. The use of Falcon 9 Full Thrust rockets for these launches also demonstrates the growing role of reusable launch vehicles in deploying large satellite constellations efficiently and cost-effectively.

## Notable For
- Part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, a major upgrade to global satellite communications
- Launched using the Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, showcasing reusable launch technology
- Contributes to enhanced global voice and data coverage
- Represents the modernization of the Iridium satellite network
- Demonstrates the increasing use of commercial launch services for large-scale satellite deployments

## Body
### Launch Details
Iridium 137 was launched on December 23, 2017, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4. This launch was part of a series of missions to deploy the Iridium NEXT constellation, which aimed to replace and upgrade the existing Iridium satellite network.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite has a COSPAR ID of 2017-083G and a satellite catalog number (SCN) of 43076. These identifiers are used by space agencies and satellite tracking organizations to catalog and track objects in Earth's orbit.

### Launch Vehicle
Iridium 137 was launched using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, which is the third major version of SpaceX's Falcon 9 orbital launch vehicle. This choice of launch vehicle demonstrates the growing reliance on commercial launch services for deploying large satellite constellations.

### Constellation Role
As part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, Iridium 137 contributes to a global network of satellites designed to provide enhanced voice and data coverage. This constellation represents a significant upgrade to the original Iridium system, offering improved capabilities and reliability for users worldwide.

### Classification and Identification
Iridium 137 is classified as an artificial satellite and is described as such in Wikidata. Its Wolfram Language entity code is Entity["Satellite", "43076"], which allows for computational identification and analysis in various scientific and technical applications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report