Motorola is on target to declare its 66-spacecraft Iridium worldwide mobile telephone communications satellite system operational in September, following the launch of seven Lockheed Martin satellites aboard Long March 2C/SD and Delta II boosters on 26 and 30 March, respectively. Seven more satellites were scheduled for launch on a Russian Proton K on 2 April. Fifty-eight satellites had been launched by 30 March, with two not operating and one in a lower orbit than planned. The operational constellation will include 66 prime and six back-up satellites at any time.
Source: Flight International