IRIDIUM® System

Iridium is the world’s largest commercial satellite constellation providing global mobile satellite communications, including voice and data solutions

This global mobile satellite communications system is owned by the Iridium Communications, Inc. Company based in McLean, VA, United States. The Iridium System is a satellite-based wireless communications network providing a robust suite of data services to virtually any destination anywhere on Earth. Its three principal components are : the satellite network, the ground network and the Iridium subscriber products including ocean platforms fitted with Iridium modems.

How it works:

The design of the Iridium network allows data to be routed virtually anywhere in the world. Data calls are relayed from one satellite to another until they reach the satellite above the Iridium Subscriber Unit and the signal is relayed back to Earth. Gateways are the terrestrial infrastructure that provides interconnection to the terrestrial data networks. Gateways also provide network management functions for their own network elements and links.

• 6 polar orbital planes with 11 satellites per plane
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO) = 780 km altitude
• Each satellite completely circles the earth once every 100 minutes
• Each satellite travels from horizon to horizon in 10 minutes
• The Iridium satellite system uses a frequency band in L band (1616-1626.5 MHz)

Advantages of CLS Iridium services:

CLS provides scientists with expert solutions to obtain their data. Being the unique ARGOS operator and a world-renowned certified Iridium VAR since 2007, CLS offers an unparalleled range of services topped by excellent support.

• 30+ years’ experience working with the international oceanographic community
• Three 24/7 manned operations center
• 12 million messages processed per day
• 100,000+ platforms tracked worldwide
• 100+ staff dedicated to customer support
• 99.7% system availability

CLS is an Iridium Value-Added Reseller