UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

Delta II | Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56

SUCCESS Delta II →
Feb 18, 1998 at 13:58 UTC
Low Earth Orbit Communications Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA 100% success
Initializing Launch Globe…
Live Orbit
Fullscreen
Mission Control3D trajectory · Live telemetry · AI narrator · Booster tracking
PADSpace Launch Complex 2W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →
ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPECommunications
PROGRAMIridium Constellation

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.

VEHICLE
Delta II
MISSION
Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
PROGRAM
Iridium Constellation
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 53305f1f-06cd-4749-833c-24907ae8780b
Reported date: Feb 18, 1998 at 13:58 UTC
Last synced: 4 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
Loading weather…
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
MANUFACTURER
United Launch Alliance
VARIANT
7920-10C
FLIGHTS
17
SUCCESSES
17
SUCCESS RATE
100%

Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems.

When is the Delta II | Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56 launch?
The Delta II | Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56 is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 1:58 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56?
The Delta II | Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56 mission uses the Delta II rocket, manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The Delta II has flown 17 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Delta II | Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56 going to?
The Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56?
The Delta II | Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56 is operated by United States Air Force. It is part of the Iridium Constellation program.
Can I watch the Delta II | Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: Feb 18, 1998 at 13:58 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 4 minutes ago
Launch Library 24 minutes ago
Launch ID: 53305f1f-06cd-4749-833c-24907ae8780b
Open-Meteo Weather3 days ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.62

Mission Profile

Iridium 50, 52, 53, 54, 56 was a Delta II 7920-10C mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on February 18, 1998. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Low Earth Orbit. It was flown as part of the Iridium Constellation program. The launch was a success.