IRIDIUM 169 (43926)

COSPAR: 2019-002E | Alt Name: Iridium Next SV169

Image
IRIDIUM 169 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 11, 2019

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

43926

International Designator

2019-002E

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:21:51 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

86.42°

Right Ascension

18.16°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

91.43°

Period

100.10 min

Mean Motion

14.39 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

IRIDIUM 169

Alternative Name

Iridium Next SV169

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

IRIDS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 43926U 19002E   26185.01517608  .00000333  00000-0  10238-3 0  9992
2 43926  86.4218  18.1560 0001644  91.4305 268.7082 14.38611827392641

Source: Celestrak

Summary
IRIDIUM 169 (also known as Iridium Next SV169) is a communication and traffic monitoring satellite operated by IRIDS. It was launched on January 11, 2019, from the AFWTR Launch Site at SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 3.1 meters in length, 1.5 meters in diameter, and spans 9.4 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg, with a launch mass of 860 kg. It is equipped with an L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links and downlinks, and an ADS-B payload (part of the configuration on 58 satellites). IRIDIUM 169's power comes from two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as a half hex prism with two panels, and it has been designed for a 10-year lifetime with plans for a 15-year operational span.
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 SV169

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.

Space Brief 17 Mar 2025

Space Brief 17 Mar 2025

Today's highlights include significant data release from NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment, SpaceX's dual launches of Crew-10 and Starlink satellites, and intriguing findings from the arctic ice studies.

NordSpace Atlantic Spaceport Complex

NordSpace Atlantic Spaceport Complex

Canada's sovereign space access finally has a construction site. How NordSpace is building the Atlantic Spaceport Complex in Newfoundland - and what the scrubbed Taiga launch reveals about the path to orbit.

Space Brief 9 Nov 2024

Space Brief 9 Nov 2024

Today's briefing covers significant developments in international rocket designs, recent astronaut health updates, and advancements in supersonic flight technology.

X Report 24 Dec 2025

X Report 24 Dec 2025

SpaceX gears up for significant 2026 launches while a Starlink satellite anomaly provides insights into its operations.

Understanding Space Debris

Understanding Space Debris

From shattered satellites to exploded rocket stages, space debris poses a growing risk to satellites, space stations, and astronauts. Here's a deep dive into what causes space debris, notable generating events, and what we're doing about it.

First Graviton Detector Concept Proposed, Space Force Shelves R-GPS Program | KeepTrack Space Brief

First Graviton Detector Concept Proposed, Space Force Shelves R-GPS Program | KeepTrack Space Brief

Keck Foundation team proposes first-ever graviton detector concept. Space Force shelves Resilient GPS program. China advances Long March 12B reusable rocket with static fire test at Jiuquan.

X Report 26 Oct 2025

X Report 26 Oct 2025

SpaceX continues to make waves with record launches and emerging challenges in its lunar endeavors. A new launch site on the West Coast promises to ramp up capacity, even as the Falcon 9 prepares for its eventual retirement.

Space Brief 11 Feb 2025

Space Brief 11 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include the debut of a new Chinese rocket, a successful Starlink launch, and concerns about Artemis 3. We also cover DoD developments and a notable SpaceX milestone.