Orbital Sciences reached a deal on a systems integration and test contract with Thales Alenia Space, the prime contractor for Iridium Next, Iridium Communications’ new fleet of satellites.
“We are delighted that Thales Alenia has selected Orbital as systems integrator, which represents another major step forward in the development and construction of Iridium Next, ” Iridium CEO Matt Desch. With this contract, Orbital becomes part of the most significant commercial space project in the world. Orbital – like Iridium – is a long-time and trusted U.S. government partner, which should advance the objective of hosting payloads on our new satellites for projects such as Earth observation, scientific monitoring and space situational awareness.”
