The backbone of Aireon’s technology resides on the Iridium NEXT constellation of satellites. Iridium’s next generation satellite constellation will deliver exciting new innovations and opportunities, while ensuring continued high performance and reliability far into the future. To enable the Aireon system, Iridium will host specially designed receivers on each Iridium NEXT satellite, covering 100 percent of the globe. Iridium NEXT’s low-latency, 66 cross-linked Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites make it uniquely suited to meet the technical demands of global air traffic surveillance and tracking. The LEO satellites will orbit approximately 485 miles above the earth and each satellite will be linked to four others, creating a dynamic network to ensure continuous availability, everywhere on the planet.
