Iridium Communications, a leading operator of the Iridium satellite constellation, based in Mac Lean, Virginia, United States has recently completed the initial phase of the Iridium NEXT platform software testing.
The software platform is developed by Thales Alenia Space, which is designed to manage flight functions like propulsion operations, power management, solar array positioning, navigation and altitude control, etc. of the next-generation satellites. The software for the attitude sensors for the Proposed Iridium program has been developed by SELEX Galileo.
However, the basic functions of the software have been tested by the company in the first phase, which was as per the proposed plan for this year. This has created a benchmark for the future testing, which will further prove its functionality and flexibility with the continuous severe testing.
According to Scott Smith, COO Iridium Communications, “Completion of this testing phase is a huge step forward in launching the constellation.”
“Through a close collaboration with Thales, we were able to develop this software successfully, and I have no doubt that continued rigorous testing will further prove its functionality and resiliency,” he further added.
The latest functionalities of the software included on Iridium’s present satellites facilitate autonomous recovery of the software, as it is quite similar to the existing one. In the days to come, the Iridium is set to test the system integration and additional capabilities in terms of functionalities.
Denis Allard, the vice-president of the Thales Iridium NEXT program, said that the verification of the anticipated performance of the satellite can be carried out with the rigorous and lengthy testing process. This would help in providing dependable network services in the days to come.
The Iridium NEXT satellite network involves a total of 81 satellites, with 66 low-Earth orbit operational satellites, nine spacecrafts for ground-backup, and six in-orbit spares. In order to provide greater data speeds and bandwidth, the constellation is accordingly designed. It also acts as a platform for Aireon and Iridium PRIME.
