Iridium selects Thales for next-generation satellites
Posted: Thu, Jun 3, 2010, 7:49 AM ET (1149 GMT)
Iridium has selected Thales Alenia Space to build its next generation of low Earth orbit communications satellites, the companies announced Wednesday. Thales will build 81 satellites, 72 for launch plus nine ground spares for the Iridium NEXT system. Total cost of the system, which will replace the company's existing constellation of satellites, is estimated to be $2.9 billion. Work on the satellites will begin immediately, with the first satellites planned for launch in the first quarter of 2015. Iridium has not announced launch plans yet for the system, but is reportedly in negotiations with SpaceX. Thales and Lockheed had been competing for the satellite order, with Thales winning in part because Coface, the French export credit agency, agreed to guarantee nearly all of a $1.8-billion credit facility that will be used to finance the project.
Iridium has selected Thales Alenia Space to build its next generation of low Earth orbit communications satellites, the companies announced Wednesday. Thales will build 81 satellites, 72 for launch plus nine ground spares for the Iridium NEXT system. Total cost of the system, which will replace the company's existing constellation of satellites, is estimated to be $2.9 billion. Work on the satellites will begin immediately, with the first satellites planned for launch in the first quarter of 2015. Iridium has not announced launch plans yet for the system, but is reportedly in negotiations with SpaceX. Thales and Lockheed had been competing for the satellite order, with Thales winning in part because Coface, the French export credit agency, agreed to guarantee nearly all of a $1.8-billion credit facility that will be used to finance the project.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
SpaceX sets Nov. 18 launch date for sixth Starship test flight
Posted: Sat, Nov 9 9:57 AM ET (1457 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, November 26
Firefly’s Lunar Lander Launch Window To Open In Mid-January
Aviation Week — 6:53 am ET (1153 GMT) Editorial: Coloradans, unite to keep Space Command in Colorado Springs
Denver Post — 6:52 am ET (1152 GMT) Bipartisan letter urges Trump to keep Space Force HQ in Colorado
KXRM-TV Colorado Springs — 6:52 am ET (1152 GMT) Colorado leaders applaud as Air Force says Schriever Space Base to serve as home of Space Delta 15
Colorado Public Radio — 6:51 am ET (1151 GMT) Rocket Lab Completes Dual Launches
Aviation Week — 6:50 am ET (1150 GMT) |
