Matt Desch Eyes Final Launch of Iridium Next Satellites on Jan. 11

Iridium Communications CEO Matt Desch has expressed confidence that SpaceX will stage its final launch of the Iridium Next communications satellites on Friday following delays in the project, Space.com reported Wednesday.
 

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The company is eyeing no earlier than Jan. 11 for the launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and has set Jan. 12 as a backup date, Desch said on Twitter on Tuesday.
 

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"Iridium-8 update: Briefing from SpaceX makes me increasingly encouraged about a Friday launch," he said. "Weather in the morning doesn't look too bad right now, and the rocket should be ready. Think I might stick around for this historic event at 15:31 UTC (7:31 PST) on 11 Jan!"
 

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SpaceX also announced earlier in January that the Falcon 9 rocket that will carry the final 10 Iridium Next satellites has already completed a static-fire test.
 

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However, Desch noted that the aerospace company “is still working through some issues on the rocket” and finalizing range approval for the target launch dates. 
 

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The upcoming launch will mark the eighth partnership between Iridium and SpaceX and place 66 operational Iridium Next satellites in orbit along with nine backup spacecraft. 
 

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"It has been an exciting road with SpaceX," Desch said. "We just keep finding a way together to solve problems and keep moving forward."