Iridium Looks to Add to First-Generation Satellite Spares

Citing the "extraordinarily complex and unprecedented engineering feat" of replacing its 66-satellite constellation with its next-generation Next constellation, Iridium is asking to park as many as 16 first-gen satellites in temporary storage orbit as spares. In a pair of International Bureau applications Friday (see here and here), Iridium asked for special temporary authority to supplement the one first-gen satellite the agency already approved for storage orbit. Iridium said while the first-gen constellation is being replaced, it will need to put some of them in storage orbit "to ensure that the most robust satellites are in operation at all times." It said the need to put first-gen satellites in storage orbits will end when the Next constellation, including spares, is fully launched and operational.