Next Batch of Iridium Next Satellites Set for Dec. 22 Launch

All 10 Iridium Next satellites for the broadband satellite constellation's fourth launch are in processing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, with the launch scheduled for Dec. 22, the company said Tuesday. It said the launch will be the midway point of its SpaceX launch campaign and the first of two Iridium Next launches employing reused SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. It said with that launch, 40 Next constellation satellites will be in orbit, more than half the 66 required for an operational constellation. It contracted with SpaceX for eight launches to carry a total of 75 Next satellites into orbit, including nine spares.