How many satellites are in the Iridium constellation and into how many orbital planes are they arranged?

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Multiple Choice

How many satellites are in the Iridium constellation and into how many orbital planes are they arranged?

Global satellite constellations rely on distributing satellites across multiple orbital planes to provide worldwide coverage. The Iridium system uses several near-polar, low Earth orbits so that as the Earth rotates and satellites move, there’s almost always one nearby to handle a communication link. In this configuration there are four orbital planes, with twelve satellites in each plane, for a total of 48 satellites. The planes are spaced around the globe so the satellites can be handed off via cross-links, maintaining connectivity as users move and as satellites travel along their paths. This arrangement achieves broad, reliable coverage with a manageable number of satellites.

Global satellite constellations rely on distributing satellites across multiple orbital planes to provide worldwide coverage. The Iridium system uses several near-polar, low Earth orbits so that as the Earth rotates and satellites move, there’s almost always one nearby to handle a communication link. In this configuration there are four orbital planes, with twelve satellites in each plane, for a total of 48 satellites. The planes are spaced around the globe so the satellites can be handed off via cross-links, maintaining connectivity as users move and as satellites travel along their paths. This arrangement achieves broad, reliable coverage with a manageable number of satellites.

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