The Iridium Communications Systems

Abstract

The technical parameters of Motorola's iridium communications system are discussed. This system is a worldwide, digital, satellite-based, cellular, personal communications system primarily intended to provide commercial, low-density, portable service via handheld, mobile or transportable user units, employing low-profile antennas, to millions of users throughout the world. Calls can be made and received anywhere in the world with a personal, pocket-size, portable unit. A constellation of small (700 kg), smart satellites are internetted to form the network's backbone. Small, battery-powered, cellular-telephone-like user units communicate directly to the satellites.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>