X Report 25 Feb 2025
SpaceX has completed the investigation into Starship Flight 7, announcing causes ahead of the next planned launch, while numerous missions are lined up for launch this week.
IRIDIUM 181 (56726)
COSPAR: 2023-068S | Alt Name: Iridium Next SV181
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56726
International Designator
2023-068S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:55:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
86.45°
Right Ascension
43.14°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
84.02°
Period
99.77 min
Mean Motion
14.43 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRIDIUM 181
Alternative Name
Iridium Next SV181
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56726U 23068S 26200.82992956 .00000137 00000+0 34696-4 0 9997
2 56726 86.4474 43.1388 0002372 84.0163 276.1308 14.43308472167146
Source: Celestrak
Summary
IRIDIUM 181, also known as Iridium Next SV181, is a communication and traffic monitoring satellite operated by IRIDS (Iridium LLC). It was launched on May 20, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 3.1 meters in length, 1.5 meters in diameter, and a span of 9.4 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms, with a total launch mass of 860 kilograms. Equipped with an L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links and downlinks, as well as ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) and AIS-receiver capabilities (on 58 satellites), IRIDIUM 181 uses solar arrays and batteries for power. It was designed to operate for ten years but is planned to last up to fifteen years. The satellite's shape is described as a Half Hex Prism with two panels, and it was manufactured by NGISGA (Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems Government).
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 SV181
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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