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.
IRIDIUM 173 (43925)
COSPAR: 2019-002D | Alt Name: Iridium Next SV173
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43925
International Designator
2019-002D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:02:42 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
86.40°
Right Ascension
346.45°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
89.66°
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 173
Alternative Name
Iridium Next SV173
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 43925U 19002D 26185.21021872 .00000085 00000-0 23341-4 0 9990
2 43925 86.3981 346.4463 0002156 89.6559 270.4883 14.34218165391398
Source: Celestrak
Summary
IRIDIUM 173, also known as Iridium Next SV173, is a communication and traffic monitoring satellite operated by IRIDS (Iridium LLC). Launched on January 11, 2019, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite was manufactured by NGISGA. It has dimensions of 3.1 meters in length, 1.5 meters in diameter, and spans 9.4 meters with its deployable solar arrays. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, with a launch mass of 860 kg. Equipped with an L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links, and downlinks, along with ADS-B and AIS-receiver payloads (on some satellites), IRIDIUM 173 supports communication services and traffic monitoring. Its operational lifetime is designed for ten years but planned for fifteen years. The satellite's shape is described as a Half Hex Prism plus 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 SV173
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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