# Iridium 15

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111498598](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111498598)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-15

## Summary
Iridium 15 is a communications satellite that was part of the Iridium satellite constellation, launched in 1997 and which later experienced atmospheric entry in 2018.

## Key Facts
- Iridium 15 is a former communications satellite that was launched on July 9, 1997.
- It was deployed using a Delta II expendable launch vehicle.
- The satellite was part of the Iridium satellite constellation designed for voice and data coverage.
- Its COSPAR and NSSDCA identifiers are 1997-034A.
- The satellite experienced atmospheric entry on October 14, 2018.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Iridium 15 launched?
A: Iridium 15 was launched on July 9, 1997.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Iridium 15?
A: The launch vehicle was a Delta II expendable launch system.

### Q: What constellation was Iridium 15 part of?
A: It was part of the Iridium satellite constellation.

### Q: When did Iridium 15 re-enter Earth's atmosphere?
A: The satellite experienced atmospheric entry on October 14, 2018.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 15 represents a significant component of the Iridium satellite constellation, which was designed to provide global voice and data communications coverage. The constellation was revolutionary for its time, enabling mobile communications from virtually anywhere on Earth, particularly in remote areas without traditional infrastructure. The satellite's operational history and eventual atmospheric entry illustrate the lifecycle of space assets and the importance of orbital debris management. Its role in the Iridium constellation contributed to the development of modern satellite communication technologies and demonstrated the capabilities of satellite constellations for global connectivity.

## Notable For
- It was one of the original satellites in the Iridium constellation, which was among the first to provide global mobile communications coverage.
- The satellite was launched using a Delta II rocket, a common expendable launch system for early commercial satellites.
- It experienced atmospheric entry in 2018, marking the end of its operational life and illustrating the eventual fate of all space assets.
- As a communications satellite, it was designed specifically for telecommunications, distinguishing it from other types of satellites like observation or scientific satellites.
- The satellite's COSPAR and NSSDCA identifiers (1997-034A) provide a unique and standardized designation for tracking its orbital history.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Iridium 15 was classified as a communications satellite with the COSPAR and NSSDCA identifier 1997-034A. It was designed to operate in low Earth orbit as part of the Iridium constellation, which required precise orbital positioning to maintain global coverage.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West on July 9, 1997. The Delta II launch vehicle, a retired expendable system from the Delta rocket family, was used for deployment. This launch marked the beginning of the satellite's operational service in the Iridium constellation.

### Operational History
As part of the Iridium satellite constellation, Iridium 15 contributed to the network that provided voice and data communications coverage worldwide. The constellation's design allowed for global connectivity, particularly in remote areas where traditional communication infrastructure was limited.

### End of Life
The satellite experienced atmospheric entry on October 14, 2018, marking the end of its operational service. This event demonstrates the natural lifecycle of space assets and the eventual re-entry of satellites into Earth's atmosphere after their operational lifespan concludes. The timing and circumstances of this atmospheric entry provided valuable data for orbital debris tracking and space situational awareness programs.

## References

1. SATCAT