NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2002-031B
Iridium 98 is one of the two American Iridium communications satellites that were launched by a Rokot rocket from Plesetsk at 09:34 UT on 20 June 2002. (Rokot is a modified SS-19 ICBM.) These two 690 kg satellites augment the fleet of in-orbit spares to 14 satellites that are intended as backup to the operational fleet of 66 Iridiums. The fleet provides L-band links between mainly mobile telephones, many of which have been recently DoD/Pentagon-owned.
Launch Date: 2002-06-20
Launch Vehicle: Rokot
Launch Site: Plesetsk, Russia
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office