Iridium 42 & 44
Long March 2C/SD
China Aerospace Corporation
Mission
Iridium 42 & 44
- Type: Communications
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Iridium provides global mobile telecommunications services using a constellation of 66 low earth orbit satellites in a 86.4° inclined orbit. Although 77 satellites were originally envisioned for the system and spawned the name based on the 77th element in the periodic table, the system has been scaled back. Motorola's Satellite Communications Group designed and manufactured the Iridium satellites with Lockheed Martin providing the LM-700A spacecraft buses.
Location
Launch Complex 7
Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Launch Complex 7 has witnessed the launch of 32 rockets, including 32 orbital launch attempts. While Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China, has been the site for 150 rocket launches.
The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center is a People's Republic of China space and defense launch facility. It is situated in Kelan County, Xinzhou, Shanxi Province and is the second of four launch sites having been founded in March 1966 and coming into full operation in 1968.
Rocket
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C/SD
The Long March 2C is a family of expendable launch vehicles made and operated by China. It is a two stage launch vehicle with storable propellants, consisting of Nitrogen Tetroxide and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine.
The 2C/SD variant has an additional "Smart Dispenser" upper stage for multiple payloads.
Agency
China Aerospace Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the China Aerospace Corporation Long March 2C/SD Iridium 42 & 44 launch scheduled?
The China Aerospace Corporation Long March 2C/SD Iridium 42 & 44 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the China Aerospace Corporation Long March 2C/SD Iridium 42 & 44 mission launch from?
The China Aerospace Corporation Long March 2C/SD rocket launched from Launch Complex 7 at Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China. The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center is a People's Republic of China space and defense launch facility. It is situated in Kelan County, Xinzhou, Shanxi Province and is the second of four launch sites having been founded in March 1966 and coming into full operation in 1968.
What rocket was used for the Iridium 42 & 44 mission?
The Iridium 42 & 44 mission launched aboard a China Aerospace Corporation Long March 2C/SD rocket. The Long March 2C is a family of expendable launch vehicles made and operated by China. It is a two stage launch vehicle with storable propellants, consisting of Nitrogen Tetroxide and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine. <br> <br>The 2C/SD variant has an additional "Smart Dispenser" upper stage for multiple payloads. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the China Aerospace Corporation Long March 2C/SD Iridium 42 & 44 launch?
The China Aerospace Corporation Long March 2C/SD Iridium 42 & 44 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the China Aerospace Corporation Long March 2C/SD Iridium 42 & 44 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest China Aerospace Corporation Long March 2C/SD launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Iridium 42 & 44 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official China Aerospace Corporation live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
