# Iridium 141

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471078](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471078)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-141

## Summary
Iridium 141 is an artificial satellite launched on December 23, 2017, as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was launched aboard a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4.

## Key Facts
- Launch date: December 23, 2017
- Launch vehicle: Falcon 9 Full Thrust
- Launch site: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4
- Satellite designation: 43077
- COSPAR ID: 2017-083H
- Instance of: artificial satellite
- Part of: Iridium NEXT constellation

## FAQs
### Q: What is Iridium 141?
A: Iridium 141 is an artificial satellite launched on December 23, 2017, as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was launched aboard a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4.

### Q: When was Iridium 141 launched?
A: Iridium 141 was launched on December 23, 2017, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4.

### Q: What rocket launched Iridium 141?
A: Iridium 141 was launched aboard a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 141 is part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which represents a significant upgrade to the original Iridium satellite network. This constellation provides global satellite communications, including voice and data coverage to satellite phones, pagers, and integrated transceivers in remote areas where terrestrial cellular service is unavailable. The Iridium NEXT satellites, including Iridium 141, offer improved capabilities over their predecessors, including better bandwidth, enhanced global positioning, and support for the Aireon aircraft tracking system. This upgrade is crucial for maintaining reliable global communications, particularly for maritime, aviation, and government users who rely on satellite connectivity in areas beyond the reach of traditional cellular networks.

## Notable For
- Part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, replacing the original Iridium satellites
- Launched as part of a batch of 10 satellites on a single Falcon 9 mission
- Supports the Aireon aircraft tracking system for global air traffic surveillance
- Provides enhanced global communications capabilities compared to previous Iridium satellites
- Launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, marking a significant commercial launch from this facility

## Body
### Launch Details
Iridium 141 was launched on December 23, 2017, as part of a batch of 10 satellites aboard a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket. This launch was conducted by SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 in California. The mission, designated Iridium-4, was part of a larger effort to deploy the entire Iridium NEXT constellation.

### Technical Specifications
As part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, Iridium 141 is a second-generation Iridium satellite. These satellites are based on the Boeing 5300 satellite bus and are designed to operate in low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 780 kilometers. Each satellite in the constellation weighs about 860 kilograms and is equipped with L-band antennas for communication.

### Constellation Role
Iridium 141 is one of 66 operational satellites in the Iridium NEXT constellation, which also includes 9 spare satellites on orbit. This constellation forms a mesh network in space, providing global coverage including the polar regions. The satellites communicate with each other using Ka-band inter-satellite links, allowing for seamless handoffs of calls between satellites.

### Applications
The Iridium NEXT satellites, including Iridium 141, support a wide range of applications beyond traditional satellite phone services. These include machine-to-machine communications, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and the Aireon aircraft tracking system. The Aireon system uses the satellites' ADS-B receivers to provide real-time, global aircraft tracking, significantly improving aviation safety and efficiency.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report