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Started By
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No More Iridium Flares
Posted on 3/15/19 at 12:40 pm
Posted on 3/15/19 at 12:40 pm
Universe Today
quote:
Launched in batches from 1997 to 2002, the constellation of 66 Iridium satellites plus 32 on-orbit spares and 4 dummy test masses was conceived by Motorola, and placed in low Earth orbit. At the time, the company envisioned that the constellation would pioneer the growth of personal satellite phone technology. In the end, however, the rise of cheap mobile phone towers worldwide at the turn of the millennium meant that satphone tech never really got past niche applications, such as emergency rescue and use by expeditions travelling to remote locations. Motorola’s Iridium company declared bankruptcy in 1999, and a group of private investors bought the constellation of satellites.
4
Posted on 3/15/19 at 1:42 pm to blueridgeTiger
I knew a guy around 99 with a sat phone. I never saw one again. He and his family sailed a lot, so it made sense.
Were they ever affordable?
Were they ever affordable?
Posted on 3/15/19 at 1:56 pm to Napoleon
I have one and they are still expensive. I think I paid $1,300-$1,400 and my monthly bill is a bit over $60.00 a month but it’s like the old days of cellular service. I only get a few minutes each month and anything over that (I think my plan is 30 minutes) is ridiculously expensive. I keep it on my boat for emergencies only.
Iridium launched new satellites to replace the ones that are falling out of the sky now.
Iridium launched new satellites to replace the ones that are falling out of the sky now.
Posted on 3/15/19 at 1:59 pm to blueridgeTiger
They were invaluable in the Middle East.
Posted on 3/15/19 at 2:17 pm to Ron Popeil
I’ve had one on a week long camping and fishing trip in rural Canada for emergencies (major injury or such requiring a plane with floats to come get you).
It wasn’t mine though, the outfitter supplied it.
It wasn’t mine though, the outfitter supplied it.
Posted on 3/15/19 at 3:15 pm to blueridgeTiger
I used to be in an astronomy club and one of the things we used to do to pass the time while waiting for it to get dark is watch for Iridium flares (and other satellites).
Posted on 3/15/19 at 3:20 pm to MountainTiger
quote:
I used to be in an astronomy club and one of the things we used to do to pass the time while waiting for it to get dark is watch for Iridium flares (and other satellites).
Counting Satellites after dark for the first few hours is fun with the kids
The flares are neat. There are apps that can provide time and coordinates for the day time ones. Cool to say look right there and in 3 2 1 FLASH
Posted on 3/15/19 at 3:22 pm to blueridgeTiger
Wish we could've used them for target practice for out new missile tech
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