# Iridium 9

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111498620](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111498620)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-9

## Summary
Iridium 9 was an artificial satellite and a former component of the Iridium satellite constellation, a system designed to provide voice and data coverage. Launched on June 18, 1997, it operated as a human-made object in orbit until its atmospheric entry on March 11, 2003.

## Key Facts
- **Class:** Artificial satellite (human-made object put into an orbit).
- **Part of:** Iridium satellite constellation.
- **Launch Date:** June 18, 1997.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-K (Russian/Soviet carrier rocket).
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 24838.
- **COSPAR ID:** 1997-030C.
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1997-030C.
- **Significant Event:** Atmospheric entry (occurred on March 11, 2003).
- **Aliases:** Iridium 09.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Iridium 9 launched?
A: Iridium 9 was launched on June 18, 1997, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.

### Q: What happened to Iridium 9?
A: Iridium 9 is no longer in orbit. It underwent atmospheric entry on March 11, 2003, and is classified as a former entity.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Iridium 9?
A: The satellite was launched using a Proton-K carrier rocket, a vehicle previously used by the Soviet Union and Russia.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 9 represents a critical piece of telecommunications infrastructure deployed during the late 1990s to establish global connectivity. As a unit of the Iridium satellite constellation, its primary purpose was to enable voice and data coverage across the globe, facilitating communication in remote areas where traditional ground-based infrastructure was absent. Although it is now a former entity, its lifecycle—from deployment via a Proton-K rocket to its eventual atmospheric entry—illustrates the operational tempo and finite lifespan of low Earth orbit satellites launched during the initial expansion of commercial space networks.

## Notable For
- **Global Connectivity:** Served as a node in a constellation providing voice and data coverage.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Utilized the Proton-K, a prominent Russian/Soviet carrier rocket.
- **Finite Lifespan:** Had a defined operational period ending in atmospheric entry roughly six years after launch.
- **Cataloging:** Distinctively tracked via multiple identifiers including SCN 24838 and COSPAR ID 1997-030C.

## Body
### Mission and Classification
Iridium 9 was an artificial satellite, defined as a human-made object put into an orbit. It was a functional component of the Iridium satellite constellation, a network dedicated to providing voice and data coverage. In addition to its primary designation, it was also known by the alias "Iridium 09." In official records, it is classified as a "former entity," indicating that it is no longer operational or in orbit.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully launched on **June 18, 1997**. The launch took place at the **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23**. The deployment was facilitated by a **Proton-K** carrier rocket, a launch vehicle described in records as Russian (previously Soviet).

### Operational Identifiers
Throughout its service life and in subsequent tracking records, Iridium 9 was identified by several specific codes:
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 24838
- **COSPAR ID:** 1997-030C
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1997-030C
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "24838"]

### End of Life
The satellite's time in space concluded with a significant event recorded as **atmospheric entry**. This event occurred on **March 11, 2003**, marking the end of its status as an orbiting object.

## References

1. SATCAT