# Iridium 142

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111470979](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111470979)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-142

## Summary
Iridium 142 is an artificial satellite launched on March 30, 2018, as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It was deployed using a Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket from the Western Range and is part of a global communications network designed to provide mobile voice and data services.

## Key Facts
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 43256
- **COSPAR ID:** 2018-030H
- **Class:** Artificial satellite
- **Launch Date:** March 30, 2018
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 4
- **Launch Site:** Western Range
- **Wikidata Description:** Satellite

## FAQs
### Q: What is Iridium 142?
A: Iridium 142 is an artificial satellite launched in 2018 as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, providing global mobile communications services.

### Q: When was Iridium 142 launched?
A: Iridium 142 was launched on March 30, 2018, using a Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket from the Western Range.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Iridium 142?
A: The COSPAR ID for Iridium 142 is 2018-030H.

### Q: What type of satellite is Iridium 142?
A: Iridium 142 is an artificial satellite, specifically part of the Iridium NEXT constellation.

### Q: Which rocket launched Iridium 142?
A: Iridium 142 was launched using a Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 142 is part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which was designed to replace the original Iridium satellite network. The constellation consists of 66 active satellites in low Earth orbit, providing global mobile voice and data services. The Iridium NEXT satellites offer improved performance, longer lifespan, and enhanced capabilities compared to their predecessors. The network is used for various applications, including maritime, aviation, and remote communications, ensuring reliable connectivity even in remote areas. The launch of Iridium 142 and its peers marked a significant upgrade in the Iridium satellite communications system, enhancing its role in global communications infrastructure.

## Notable For
- Part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, the first satellite communications network to provide full global coverage.
- Launched using the Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket, demonstrating SpaceX's reliability in satellite deployment.
- Designed to provide mobile voice and data services, improving connectivity in remote and maritime regions.
- Operates in low Earth orbit, ensuring lower latency and higher data throughput compared to geostationary satellites.
- Part of a constellation of 66 satellites, ensuring continuous global coverage and redundancy.

## Body
### Classification
Iridium 142 is classified as an artificial satellite, specifically part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. It is one of 66 satellites deployed to provide global mobile communications services.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date:** March 30, 2018
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 4
- **Launch Site:** Western Range
- **COSPAR ID:** 2018-030H

### Technical Specifications
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 43256
- **Orbit:** Low Earth orbit (LEO)

### Role in Iridium NEXT
Iridium 142 is part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, which replaced the original Iridium satellite network. The constellation provides global mobile voice and data services, including maritime, aviation, and remote communications.

### Significance
The Iridium NEXT constellation represents a significant upgrade in satellite communications, offering improved performance, longer lifespan, and enhanced capabilities compared to the original Iridium network. The launch of Iridium 142 and its peers marked a major milestone in global communications infrastructure.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report