Rendering of an Iridium NEXT satellite. The first launch is scheduled for 2015. Photo: Iridium

[Via Satellite 07-03-2014] Iridium and SpaceX have completed all four types of testing for the satellite dispensers to be used in launching the Iridium NEXT constellation. The testing was comprised of static loads testing, a modal survey, fit check, and separation and shock testing.

The dispensers are mission-unique and serve the purpose of holding the satellites throughout the launch, followed by managing separation from the rocket. SpaceX is tasked with launching 70 Iridium NEXT satellites, carrying 10 at a time per Falcon 9 rocket to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO of SpaceX said the launches are slated to begin in 2015.

The seven launches are planned over a two-year period. The contract, at a value of $453.1 million, is the largest single commercial space launch contract in history. In addition to improving Iridium’s bandwidth, data speeds and service, Iridium NEXT will also carry a hosted payload for Aireon’s space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and serve as a platform for Iridium Prime, a turnkey solution for hosted payloads.