# Iridium 96

> 27376

**Wikidata**: [Q111497579](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497579)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iridium-96

## Summary
Iridium 96 is an artificial satellite and part of the Iridium satellite constellation, designed to provide global satellite communication services. It is one of several satellites launched to support voice and data transmission across the globe, especially in remote areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Its designation as "27376" refers to its NORAD catalog number.

## Key Facts
- Instance of: Artificial satellite
- NORAD Catalog Number: 27376
- Part of: Iridium satellite constellation
- Operator: Iridium Communications Inc.
- Class: Communication satellite
- Purpose: Global mobile voice and data services via satellite
- Entity code (Wolfram Language): Entity["Satellite", "27376"]
- Related class: Artificial satellite (site link count: 142)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Iridium 96 used for?
A: Iridium 96 is used to facilitate global satellite communications, enabling voice and data services in areas without reliable terrestrial networks. It supports applications such as maritime, aviation, and emergency communications.

### Q: Who operates Iridium 96?
A: Iridium 96 is operated by Iridium Communications Inc., a company that manages the entire Iridium satellite constellation.

### Q: Is Iridium 96 still active?
A: As of the latest available information, Iridium 96 remains part of the operational constellation supporting global communications. However, satellite status can change due to age, malfunction, or deorbiting procedures.

## Why It Matters
Iridium 96 plays a vital role in the broader Iridium satellite network, which provides critical communication capabilities to users around the world. These satellites enable connectivity in remote regions where traditional infrastructure like cell towers and internet cables are unavailable or unreliable. Industries such as aviation, maritime, military, and emergency response rely heavily on systems like Iridium for real-time communication, tracking, and safety services. The continued operation of satellites like Iridium 96 ensures redundancy and reliability in global telecommunications, particularly during natural disasters or other crises when terrestrial systems may fail.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Iridium constellation, known for providing truly global coverage including polar regions
- Supporting both voice and data communications via low-Earth orbit satellites
- Designed for high reliability and resilience in extreme environments
- Integral component of a commercial satellite phone and data service system
- Operated under a well-established satellite communications provider, Iridium Communications Inc.

## Body
### Overview
Iridium 96 (NORAD ID: 27376) is a functioning member of the Iridium satellite constellation, a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites developed to deliver worldwide voice and data communication services. Each satellite in the system orbits at approximately 780 kilometers above Earth and moves in a polar orbit, ensuring full global coverage—including the poles—where many geostationary systems cannot reach.

### Technical Role
As part of the Iridium NEXT generation upgrade, Iridium 96 contributes to enhanced signal quality, increased capacity, and improved performance compared to earlier generations. The satellites use crosslinks to relay signals among themselves, reducing reliance on ground stations and improving call routing efficiency.

### Operational Context
The Iridium constellation originally consisted of 66 active satellites, though some have been replaced over time through successive launches. Satellites like Iridium 96 help maintain continuous service availability across all longitudes and latitudes, making them essential for industries requiring uninterrupted global communications.

### Regulatory and Identifier Information
- NORAD Catalog Number: 27376
- International Designator: 2002-026A
- Launch Date: June 25, 2002
- Launch Vehicle: Soyuz-FG/Fregat
- Launch Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

These identifiers allow precise tracking and referencing within space situational awareness databases and scientific literature.