IRIDIUM 43 is a communication satellite launched by Iridium LLC on November 9, 1997, from Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFWTR) using the Delta 7920-10C launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 3.5 meters in length and 1 meter in diameter with a span of 5 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It was manufactured by MOTO/LMMS under the LM-700A configuration, weighing approximately 662 kilograms at launch and 556 kilograms dry mass. IRIDIUM 43 is powered by two deployable solar arrays along with batteries. Its mission purpose is communication as part of a constellation system. The satellite has been operational for an estimated lifespan of eight years since its launch date, which also marks the stable date in orbit.