Artist rendition of an Iridium NEXT satellite.
Photo: Iridium

[Via Satellite 10-16-13] Iridium Communications has successfully completed a Critical Design Review (CDR) of the complete Iridium NEXT satellite network system, demonstrating its design is valid and on schedule for the first launch in early 2015. The review represents an important transition from the network design to the fabrication and testing phase of Iridium’s next-generation constellation.

The Iridium NEXT satellite network will offer greater bandwidth, improved data speeds, more flexible bandwidth allocation, and global coverage, enabling Iridium and its partners to support more powerful new devices and applications with enhanced services. It will also serve as a platform for the company’s newly announced Iridium PRIME offering, a new turnkey solution for hosted payloads.

“Completing the CDR phase establishes that all components of the satellites will properly function as designed in the dynamic environment of the new constellation, keeping the Iridium NEXT program schedule on track and on budget,” said Scott Smith, Iridium’s chief operating officer.

The next key milestone for the Iridium NEXT program is the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Readiness Review, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2014. The review signals the completion of flight hardware design and qualification activities, and it will demonstrate that the processes and procedures, equipment, and personnel are ready for the start of satellite production.