# Iridium 143

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111470981](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111470981)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-143

## Summary
Iridium 143 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. The satellite is part of a global communications network designed to provide mobile voice and data services worldwide.

## Key Facts
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 43258
- **COSPAR ID:** 2018-030K
- **Class:** Artificial satellite
- **Launch Date:** March 30, 2018
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 4
- **Launch Site:** Western Range
- **Wikidata Description:** Satellite
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "43258"]

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Iridium 143?
A: Iridium 143 is an artificial satellite, specifically part of the Iridium NEXT constellation, designed for global mobile communications.

### Q: When was Iridium 143 launched?
A: Iridium 143 was launched on March 30, 2018, using a Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket from the Western Range.

### Q: What is the purpose of the Iridium NEXT constellation?
A: The Iridium NEXT constellation provides mobile voice and data services worldwide, replacing the original Iridium satellite network.

### Q: How was Iridium 143 deployed?
A: Iridium 143 was deployed via a Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket, a fourth-generation version of SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch vehicle.

### Q: What is the significance of Iridium 143's COSPAR ID?
A: The COSPAR ID (2018-030K) uniquely identifies Iridium 143 in the international satellite registry, assigned by the Committee on Space Research.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 143 is part of the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation, which modernized the original Iridium satellite network launched in 1997. The Iridium NEXT system consists of 66 satellites in low Earth orbit, providing global mobile voice and data services. This constellation was designed to replace the aging first-generation Iridium system, offering improved performance, longer lifespan, and enhanced capabilities. The launch of Iridium 143, along with its counterparts, marked a significant upgrade in global satellite communications, ensuring reliable connectivity for military, government, and commercial users. The Iridium NEXT system has been instrumental in advancing satellite-based mobile communications, offering a robust alternative to traditional terrestrial networks in remote and challenging environments.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Iridium NEXT Constellation:** Iridium 143 is one of 66 satellites in the Iridium NEXT system, which replaced the original Iridium network.
- **Global Mobile Communications:** The Iridium NEXT constellation provides mobile voice and data services worldwide, enhancing connectivity for military, government, and commercial users.
- **Modernized Satellite Technology:** Iridium 143 represents an advancement in satellite communications, offering improved performance and longevity compared to the first-generation Iridium system.
- **Deployed via Falcon 9 Block 4:** The satellite was launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 Block 4, a fourth-generation rocket known for its reliability and reusability.
- **COSPAR ID 2018-030K:** The unique COSPAR ID assigned to Iridium 143 ensures its identification in international satellite databases.

## Body
### Overview
Iridium 143 is an artificial satellite launched as part of the Iridium NEXT constellation. The constellation consists of 66 satellites in low Earth orbit, designed to provide global mobile voice and data services. The Iridium NEXT system was developed to replace the original Iridium satellite network, which was launched in 1997.

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

### Satellite Specifications
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 43258
- **Class:** Artificial satellite
- **Wikidata Description:** Satellite
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "43258"]

### Significance
The Iridium NEXT constellation modernized global satellite communications, offering improved performance and reliability. Iridium 143, along with its counterparts, plays a crucial role in providing mobile services to users worldwide, including remote and challenging environments. The system's advancements have enhanced connectivity for military, government, and commercial applications, making it a key player in the satellite communications industry.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report