SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will deliver 10 satellites to low Earth orbit for Iridium, a global leader in mobile voice and data satellite communications. This is the fifth set of 10 satellites in a series of 75 total satellites that SpaceX will launch for Iridium’s next generation global satellite constellation, Iridium® NEXT.
Low Earth Orbit B1041 - Flight Proven ( ) Pacific OceanThe BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is a Chinese satellite navigation system. It consists of two separate satellite constellations – a limited test system that has been operating since 2000, and a full-scale global navigation system that is currently under construction. Beidou-3 are the third generation of navigation satellites which are launched into medium Earth orbit.
Medium Earth OrbitThe payload for the Soyuz-2-1v launch is a small reconnaissance satellite developed by VNIIEM and known by the acronym EMKA ("Experimental Small Space Apparatus"). Launch was originally scheduled for October and then slipped to November, December and eventually January due to technical problems with the payload.
Sun-Synchronous OrbitSoyuz MS-08 begins expedition 55 by carrying Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, NASA astronauts Andrew Feustel and Richard Arnold to the International Space Station. After launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, they will rendezvous to the station where they will remain for their 6 month stay.
Low Earth OrbitHispasat 30W-6, also known as Hispasat 1F, is a Spanish geostationary communications satellite. Joining the Hispasat fleet, this satellite is to operate in orbit for 15 years, providing services to Europe, North Africa, North America and South America. It is a replacement for the Hispasat 1D satellite at 30º West longtitude in geostationary orbit. Satellite launch mass is about 6000 kg and it is equipped with Ku-, Ka- and C-band transponders.
Geostationary Transfer Orbit B1044 - Maiden Flight Atlantic OceanThe Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S Series (GOES-S) is the second of the next generation of geostationary weather satellites. The four satellites of the series will provide advanced imaging with increased spatial resolution and faster coverage for more accurate forecasts, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and improved monitoring of solar activity. GOES-S will provide continuous imagery and atmospheric measurements of the Western Hemisphere. GOES-S will be the primary tool for the detection and tracking of hurricanes and severe weather. Once operational as GOES-17, the satellite wil replace GOES-15 satellite.
Geostationary Transfer Orbit #GOESS