Space Brief 31 Jul 2025
Today's Space Brief brings updates on the U.S. Space Force's upcoming missions, in-space technology strategies, the challenges faced by new launchers, and advancements in satellite communication.
IRIDIUM 165 (43572)
COSPAR: 2018-061D | Alt Name: Iridium Next SV165
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43572
International Designator
2018-061D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:47:42 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
86.39°
Right Ascension
49.76°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
90.11°
Period
100.40 min
Mean Motion
14.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRIDIUM 165
Alternative Name
Iridium Next SV165
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 43572U 18061D 26185.03312991 .00000067 00000-0 16841-4 0 9994
2 43572 86.3948 49.7592 0002172 90.1113 270.0332 14.34218061415809
Source: Celestrak
Summary
IRIDIUM 165, also known as Iridium Next SV165, is a communication and traffic monitoring satellite operated by IRIDS (Iridium LLC). It was launched on July 25, 2018, from Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 3.1 meters in length with a diameter of 1.5 meters and spans 9.4 meters when its components are fully deployed. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and it has a launch mass of 860 kg. Equipped with an L-band payload for communication, Ka-band cross-links, downlinks, ADS-B payload, and an AIS-receiver (on 58 satellites), IRIDIUM 165 relies on two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite's configuration is based on the ELiTeBus-1000 bus manufactured by NGISGA and designed to have a lifetime of up to 10 years with plans for extended operations up to 15 years.
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 SV165
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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