IRIDIUM 166 (43570)

COSPAR: 2018-061B | Alt Name: Iridium Next SV166

Image
IRIDIUM 166 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 25, 2018

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

43570

International Designator

2018-061B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:56:50 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

86.39°

Right Ascension

49.70°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

88.97°

Period

100.40 min

Mean Motion

14.34 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

IRIDIUM 166

Alternative Name

Iridium Next SV166

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

IRIDS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 43570U 18061B   26185.03947288  .00000117  00000-0  34877-4 0  9990
2 43570  86.3946  49.6999 0002228  88.9665 271.1786 14.34218140415818

Source: Celestrak

Summary
IRIDIUM 166, also known as Iridium Next SV166, is a communication and traffic monitoring satellite operated by IRIDS. Launched on July 25, 2018, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite features a BUS configuration of EliteBus-ELiTeBus-1000 with dimensions measuring 3.1 meters in length and 1.5 meters in diameter, and spans 9.4 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg while its launch mass was 860 kg. Equipped with a L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links, downlinks, ADS-B payload, and an AIS-receiver (one of 58 satellites equipped with this feature), the satellite also includes two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Designed to operate for ten years with a planned lifetime extension up to fifteen years, IRIDIUM 166 is part of NGISGA's manufacturing portfolio and serves both communication and traffic monitoring purposes in orbit.
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 SV166

Purpose

Communication, traffic monitoring

Mission

Communication, traffic monitoring

Manufacturer

NGISGA

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
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Crew-11 Medical Evacuation Set for January 14, Starlink Mission Succeeds | KeepTrack X Report

Crew-11 Medical Evacuation Set for January 14, Starlink Mission Succeeds | KeepTrack X Report

NASA confirms first-ever ISS medical evacuation for January 14 via Crew Dragon. SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in third mission of 2026. Artemis 2 moon mission timeline unaffected.

Space Brief 30 Aug 2024

Space Brief 30 Aug 2024

Today's highlights include General Dynamics' contract extension with SDA, ABL Space Systems layoffs, NASA's Crew-9 mission adjustments, and Galactic Energy's successful satellite launch.

Space Brief 2 Jun 2025

Space Brief 2 Jun 2025

Today's edition covers SpaceX's Starlink launch delay, a breakthrough in ceramic manufacturing for space, and Momentus's orbital tech demo, among other headlines.

Space Brief 21 May 2025

Space Brief 21 May 2025

Today's Space Brief covers significant events including a high-stakes missile defense program, recent Chinese satellite launches, military defense initiatives, and key profiles in defense leadership.

Space Brief 4 Dec 2024

Space Brief 4 Dec 2024

Today's brief covers significant advancements in materials technology for space applications, a U.S. Navy contract for rocket production facilities, and NATO's upcoming classified cloud system.

X Report 29 Aug 2025

X Report 29 Aug 2025

SpaceX celebrates a record-breaking Falcon 9 launch while Starship demonstrates strong performance in its recent test flight, fueling excitement for upcoming projects.

X Report 24 Sep 2025

X Report 24 Sep 2025

SpaceX prepares for the launch of significant NASA and NOAA missions, while Starship's 11th test flight edges closer.

X Report 20 Nov 2025

X Report 20 Nov 2025

SpaceX continues to make strides with its Starship program while successfully launching another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit, enhancing global internet coverage.