# Iridium 78

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111498092](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111498092)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-78

## Summary
Iridium 78 is an artificial satellite launched on August 19, 1998, as part of the Iridium satellite constellation. It was deployed using the Long March 2C rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center and is identified by COSPAR ID 1998-048A.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Artificial satellite
- **Launch date**: August 19, 1998
- **Launch vehicle**: Long March 2C
- **Launch site**: Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center
- **COSPAR ID**: 1998-048A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1998-048A
- **Aliases**: Iridium 03, Iridium 3
- **Wikidata ID**: Q25431

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Iridium 78?
A: Iridium 78 was part of the Iridium satellite constellation, designed to provide global mobile satellite communications.

### Q: Which rocket launched Iridium 78?
A: Iridium 78 was launched by the Long March 2C rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center on August 19, 1998.

### Q: What are the identifiers for Iridium 78?
A: Iridium 78 is identified by COSPAR ID 1998-048A and NSSDCA ID 1998-048A.

### Q: What are the other names for Iridium 78?
A: Iridium 78 is also known as Iridium 03 and Iridium 3.

### Q: Where can I find more information about Iridium 78?
A: Detailed information can be found on Wikidata under the ID Q25431.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 78 played a crucial role in the Iridium satellite constellation, which was designed to provide global mobile communications. The constellation aimed to offer seamless voice and data services to users worldwide, competing with other satellite communication networks. The successful deployment of Iridium 78 and its peers marked a significant milestone in the development of global satellite communications, enabling reliable connectivity even in remote areas. The Iridium system's ability to support mobile communications from anywhere on Earth demonstrated the potential of satellite technology to bridge connectivity gaps.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Iridium constellation**: One of the first large-scale satellite constellations for global mobile communications.
- **Launched by China**: Deployed using the Long March 2C rocket, showcasing China's growing role in space launches.
- **Global coverage**: Designed to provide mobile communications across the entire Earth.
- **COSPAR and NSSDCA IDs**: Standard identifiers for tracking and cataloging space objects.

## Body
### Classification
Iridium 78 is classified as an artificial satellite, a human-made object placed into orbit for various purposes, including communication, navigation, and scientific research.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: August 19, 1998
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2C
- **Launch Site**: Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center

### Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 1998-048A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1998-048A
- **Aliases**: Iridium 03, Iridium 3

### Wikidata Reference
- **Wikidata ID**: Q25431
- **Description**: Satellite

### Related Entities
- **Artificial Satellite**: A broader category encompassing all human-made objects in orbit.
- **Long March 2C**: A Chinese orbital carrier rocket used for launching satellites.