# Iridium 146

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111470976](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111470976)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-146

## Summary
Iridium 146 is an artificial satellite launched on March 30, 2018. It was delivered into orbit using a Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket from the Western Range. The satellite is tracked under the COSPAR ID 2018-030F and Satellite Catalog Number 43254.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Instance of an artificial satellite (human-made object put into orbit).
- **Launch Date:** March 30, 2018.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 4 (the fourth major version of the Falcon 9 rocket).
- **COSPAR ID:** 2018-030F.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 43254.
- **Launch Site:** Western Range.
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** `Entity["Satellite", "43254"]`.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Iridium 146 launched?
A: Iridium 146 was launched on March 30, 2018.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Iridium 146?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket.

### Q: What are the identifying codes for Iridium 146?
A: The satellite is identified by the COSPAR ID 2018-030F and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 43254.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 146 serves as a specific data point in the catalog of human-made objects in Earth's orbit. As an artificial satellite launched in early 2018, it represents the ongoing utilization of the Falcon 9 rocket architecture—specifically the Block 4 configuration—for deploying orbital assets. The entity highlights the logistical precision required for modern spaceflight, evidenced by its specific tracking identifiers (COSPAR and SCN) assigned by space agencies. By correlating a specific physical object (the satellite) with a launch event, vehicle version, and location (Western Range), Iridium 146 contributes to the broader record of space situational awareness and the history of orbital launches.

## Notable For
- Being a tracked artificial satellite with a specific COSPAR ID (2018-030F).
- Utilizing the Falcon 9 Block 4 launch vehicle configuration.
- Launching from the Western Range facility.
- Possessing a distinct Satellite Catalog Number (43254) used in database tracking.

## Body
### Identity and Classification
Iridium 146 is formally classified as an artificial satellite, defined as a human-made object placed into orbit. In data systems, it is represented by the Wolfram Language entity code `Entity["Satellite", "43254"]`.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on **March 30, 2018**. The mission originated from the **Western Range**, a major rocket launch site. The launch vehicle responsible for placing Iridium 146 into orbit was the **Falcon 9 Block 4**, which is noted as the fourth major version of the Falcon 9 rocket series developed by SpaceX.

### Tracking and Designation
For international tracking and cataloging purposes, Iridium 146 is assigned the **COSPAR ID 2018-030F**. Additionally, it is listed in the Satellite Catalog (a component of the US Space Command's catalog) under the number **43254**. These identifiers allow for the precise tracking and differentiation of the object from other space debris and satellites.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report