Iridium’s Satellite Network Operating Center. Photo: Iridium

[Via Satellite 08-27-2014] Iridium has completed its Launch and Early Operations (LEOP) control center for Iridium NEXT. Located next to the Iridium Mission Control Center, the LEOP facility will be used to manage the NEXT constellation, test on-orbit functionality, and maneuver and monitor satellites as they are transferred into the mission constellation.

Iridium also completed upgrading its System Control Segment (SCS), which was developed by Boeing, and for which L-3 Telemetry West (L-3 TW) provided its InControl software suite.

Iridium plans to continue having Boeing operate the constellation through the transition to Iridium NEXT and beyond. L-3 TW’s InControl will be used to provide core satellite command and control functions.

“With the SCS upgrade and completion of the LEOP control facility, we’ve passed two huge launch milestones and are now operationally ready for the launch of Iridium NEXT,” said Scott Smith, chief operating officer, Iridium Communications.