The IRIDIUM system-a revolutionary satellite communications system developed with innovative applications of technology

Motorola will launch a constellation of 77 small, smart, low-Earth-orbiting satellites forming a digitally switched voice and data network. Called the IRIDIUM system, the functional concept is based on a small, portable, cellular-like telephone that will communicate to/from any place on or above the Earth. The IRIDIUM system is composed of three basic segments: the user subscriber units, the satellites, and the Earth station gateways. In addition, a system control segment is needed for state of health, commanding, and anomaly analysis and resolution. The services the IRIDIUM system will offer from a handheld unit include voice, 2.4 kb/s data, position location, paging, and two-way messaging.<
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