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.
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.
When is the Long March 2C/SD | Iridium 76 & 78 launch?
What rocket is being used for Iridium 76 & 78?
Where is the Long March 2C/SD | Iridium 76 & 78 launching from?
What orbit is Iridium 76 & 78 going to?
Who is launching Iridium 76 & 78?
Can I watch the Long March 2C/SD | Iridium 76 & 78 launch live?
Mission Profile
Iridium 76 & 78 was a Long March 2C/SD mission operated by China Aerospace Corporation that lifted off from Launch Complex 7, Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China on August 19, 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.