ARLINGTON, Va.—Iridium Satellite L.L.C. predicts its satellite constellation will retain functionality into the next decade, based on internal analysis of satellite and operational data, as well as an external study by an independent company.
Iridium did not specify, however, what would happen with the satellites or the company after that time.
Iridium contracted The Aerospace Corp. to conduct the study.
“Based on our observations and The Aerospace Corp.’s analysis, we are confident that the Iridium satellite constellation will deliver services to customers through mid-2010,” said Gino Picasso, chief executive officer of Iridium.
The company said it has not had to use any in-orbit spares in the past two years.
Iridium operates 66 low-earth-orbit satellites and has 14 spares.
