# Iridium 138

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471071](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471071)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-138

## Summary
Iridium 138 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.

## Key Facts
- Satellite ID (SCN): 43071
- COSPAR ID: 2018-083B
- Instance of: artificial satellite
- Launch date: December 23, 2017
- Launch site: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
- Launch vehicle: Falcon 9 Full Thrust
- Part of: Iridium NEXT constellation
- Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "43071"]

## FAQs
### Q: What is Iridium 138?
A: Iridium 138 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 138 launched?
A: Iridium 138 was launched on December 23, 2017, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 in California.

### Q: What rocket launched Iridium 138?
A: Iridium 138 was launched using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, which is the third major version of the SpaceX Falcon 9 orbital launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 138 represents a significant advancement in global satellite communications infrastructure. As part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, it contributes to a network of satellites that provide critical voice and data coverage across the entire planet, including polar regions that are often underserved by other communication systems. The satellite's launch using the Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket demonstrates the growing partnership between commercial space companies and satellite communications providers, helping to reduce launch costs while increasing reliability. This constellation plays a vital role in various applications including maritime communications, aviation safety, emergency response, and IoT connectivity in remote areas.

## Notable For
- Part of the modernized Iridium NEXT constellation replacing the original Iridium satellites
- Launched using SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket technology
- Provides global coverage including polar regions
- Contributes to a network of 66 operational satellites plus in-orbit spares
- Supports critical communications infrastructure for maritime, aviation, and emergency services

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Iridium 138 operates as part of a larger constellation designed to provide global satellite communications coverage. The satellite has a COSPAR ID of 2018-083B and is cataloged as object 43071 in space tracking databases.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on December 23, 2017, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4, a launch site operated by the United States Air Force in California. The launch utilized a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, which represents SpaceX's third major iteration of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle.

### Constellation Role
As part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, Iridium 138 works alongside dozens of other satellites to create a mesh network in low Earth orbit. This constellation provides continuous global coverage, including over oceans and polar regions where traditional terrestrial communications infrastructure is unavailable.

### Operational Capabilities
The satellite contributes to various communication services including voice calling, text messaging, and data transmission for mobile and fixed applications. The Iridium system is particularly valued for its reliability in remote and extreme environments where other communication methods may fail.