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IRIDIUM 179 (56730)
COSPAR: 2023-068W | Alt Name: Iridium Next SV179
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56730
International Designator
2023-068W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:42:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
86.68°
Right Ascension
20.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
93.83°
Period
97.30 min
Mean Motion
14.80 rev/day
Latitude
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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 179
Alternative Name
Iridium Next SV179
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56730U 23068W 26200.48778228 .00000131 00000+0 13903-4 0 9990
2 56730 86.6770 20.9343 0002374 93.8326 266.3167 14.80023825171143
Source: Celestrak
Summary
IRIDIUM 179, also known as Iridium Next SV179, is a communication and traffic monitoring satellite operated by IRIDS (Iridium LLC). It was launched on May 20, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a 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 kg, with an overall launch mass of 860 kg. Equipped with L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links and downlinks, ADS-B payload, and an AIS-receiver (part of a fleet), IRIDIUM 179 operates on solar power from two deployable arrays and batteries. The satellite's design is intended for a 10-year operational life, though it is planned to operate for up to 15 years. Manufactured by NGISGA (New Global Innovation Satellite Group America), the spacecraft has a half hexagonal prism shape with two panoramic sections and serves as part of the Iridium constellation for global communication services.
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 SV179
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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