[Satellite Today – 3-19-08] Iridium Satellite signed agreements with Lockheed Martin, Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) and Thales Alenia Space to design concepts for Iridium’s next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium announced March 19.
     The three companies will develop the concepts for the Next system throughout the next five months, and Iridium will award a pair of system development contracts.
    The second-generation constellation, which will include 66 satellites, will cost more than $2 billion. The satellites are scheduled to be placed in orbit beginning in 2013.