Iridium NEXT, an artistic rendition
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has received a contract from Thales Alenia Space to provide system integration and testing support for Iridium NEXT. Iridium NEXT is the next-generation satellite constellation being designed, built and launched by Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM). Thales Alenia is the prime contractor for Iridium NEXT. This long-term contract, extending through 2017, allows Boeing to continue its strong partnerships with both Thales Alenia and Iridium. In July 2010, Iridium also announced that it extended its long-term relationship with Boeing for satellite network operations support for the current Iridium constellation as well as Iridium NEXT. The Iridium satellite network is the world’s farthest-reaching communications network and the largest commercial satellite constellation in existence today. Iridium is the only provider of truly global voice and data communications services. Boeing has maintained the software and managed Iridium satellite operations for more than 10 years. Iridium NEXT will seamlessly transition Iridium customers to the benefits of the company’s planned enhanced satellite services and capabilities. Under this new contract, Boeing will work with Thales Alenia to provide support for the system integration and testing of the Iridium NEXT satellites. Boeing’s Mission Operations group, out of its Chandler, Ariz., and Leesburg, Va., locations, will support this program.