Iridium Satellite Selects Three Finalists to Develop Its "NEXT" System

Iridium Satellite has asked Lockheed Martin, Space Systems Loral and Thales Alenia, to develop design concepts, review critical engineering trades and evaluate performance and capabilities required for its next-generation satellite communications' system along with the costs required to manufacture and launch it.

Each of the three companies has agreed to enter into the concept development phase, and based on their findings, Iridium plans to select two candidates to undertake a detailed system development phase.

Iridium released a RFI (request for information) for design, development and deployment of the network last summer, and over 60 companies replied.  Six candidates were identified who have demonstrated the capabilities to meet the technical, operational and commercial requirements of NEXT, and Iridium narrowed the field to these three companies.

NEXT will feature an IP (Internet protocol)-based architecture, meant to leverage technology enhancements, allow efficient application integration, and ensure upgrade flexibility.

Iridium says the system also will be engineered to network with other space-based assets, and will maintain the company's unique cross-linked satellite architecture.

The company says it plans to offer a flexible array of services, through NEXT, from high-bandwidth data to voice and short messaging services, enabling new applications for commercial and government users.  03-20-2008.

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