Kyocera KI-G100 GSM Handset -
Ver.
0.3
Preliminary Version -
01.1999
5. IRIDIUM
By attaching the Kyocera IRIDIUM Adapter SD-66K (accessory) to your KI-G100
phone, you transform it into an IRIDIUM compatible handset capable of
communicating directly with the IRIDIUM satellite network.
The IRIDIUM network consists of 66 satellites covering 100% of the earth
surface, 100% of the time. This makes it possible for the IRIDIUM system to
offer communications anywhere, anytime, to anyone.
The network uses six polar orbital planes at an angle of 86.4 degrees to the
equator. Each orbital plane contains eleven operational satellites and a spare
one placed in a storage orbit below the eleven operational satellites. The
satellites orbit at a speed of approx. 28000 km/h and at an altitude of 780 km or
421.5 nautical miles making the IRIDIUM constellation a low earth orbit system.
The six satellite rings are slowly moving to the west due to the Earth’s rotation
from west to east. The satellites make their closest approach to one another
over the north and south pole, but never come closer to one another than 195
kilometres or 105 nautical miles. The satellites carry enough fuel on board to
remain in orbit for 8 years. The normal life expectancy of a single satellite is 5 to
8 years.
IRIDIUM
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