[SatNews] Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) announces that it has won three Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) contracts to upgrade the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Enhanced Mobile Satellite Service (EMSS) Gateway in Hawaii. This effort, which is part of the DoD's EMSS Gateway Modernization Effort, is driven by three predominantly firm fixed-price contracts totaling $12,215,576.

The DoD's Iridium EMSS Gateway serves as a dedicated portal for the uplink and downlink of voice and data traffic through Iridium satellites for DoD and other U.S. government users throughout the world.

The scope of work covered under the DISA contracts includes replacement of key switching systems, upgrades to critical components of the Message Origination Center (MOC) and replacement of antenna radomes at the EMSS Gateway.

"This illustrates Iridium's importance as a part of the DoD's communications infrastructure and is a continuation of a long and valuable partnership," said Lt. Gen. John H. Campbell, USAF (Ret.), executive vice president, government programs.

"Iridium's global network of cross-linked satellites and supporting ground infrastructure provides vital communication links for U.S. military forces and civilian government agencies deployed anywhere in the world," said Scott Scheimreif, vice president, government programs for Iridium. "Our upgrade work is focused on enhancing the DoD's opportunities to utilize the Iridium network as it expands its Iridium-based satellite communications applications. In addition, we are dedicated to delivering the industry-leading, reliable performance that is certified for our U.S. government customers. Finally, we are building in enhancements that support our mutual migration toward our next-generation constellation, Iridium NEXT."

The design and development of Iridium NEXT is underway and the company expects to launch the first satellites in early 2015.