IRIDIUM 161 (43478)

COSPAR: 2018-047C | Alt Name: Iridium Next SV161

Image
IRIDIUM 161 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 22, 2018

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

43478

International Designator

2018-047C

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:43:45 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

86.45°

Right Ascension

81.46°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

79.54°

Period

99.77 min

Mean Motion

14.43 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

IRIDIUM 161

Alternative Name

Iridium Next SV161

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

IRIDS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 43478U 18047C   26184.94705641  .00000365  00000-0  10237-3 0  9993
2 43478  86.4474  81.4635 0002416  79.5382 280.6091 14.43281776427557

Source: Celestrak

Summary
IRIDIUM 161, also known as Iridium Next SV161, is a communication and traffic monitoring satellite operated by IRIDS (Iridium LLC). It was launched on May 22, 2018, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite features the EliteBus configuration with dimensions of 3.1 meters in length, 1.5 meters in diameter, and a span of 9.4 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 860 kg. Equipped with L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links, Ka-band downlinks, ADS-B payload, and an AIS-receiver (part of a set of 58 satellites), IRIDIUM 161 is designed to operate for up to 10 years, though plans exist for it to function for 15 years. The satellite's power comes from two deployable solar arrays and batteries, manufactured by OATKGA, and its shape consists of a half hex prism with two panels.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.1

Diameter

1.5

Span

9.4

Dry Mass

700

Launch Mass

860

Shape

Half Hex Prism+2 pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Iridium Next SV161

Purpose

Communication, traffic monitoring

Mission

Communication, traffic monitoring

Manufacturer

OATKGA

Life Expectancy

10 years (design), 15 years (planned)

Bus

EliteBus

Configuration

ELiTeBus-1000

Motor

?

Equipment

L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links, Ka-band downlinks, ADS-B payload, AIS-receiver (on 58 satellites)

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
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