GFZ arranged a rideshare of GRACE-FO on a Falcon 9 with Iridium following the cancellation of their Dnepr launch contract in 2015. Iridium CEO Matt Desch disclosed in September 2017 that GRACE-FO would be launched on the sixth Iridium NEXT mission. The booster reuse turnaround was a record 4.5 months between flights.
Reddit Campaign
Reddit Launch
Reddit Media
Payloads
Iridium NEXT 6
Type:
Satellite
Mass:
4,300 kg
Inclination Degree:
86.4486°
Customers:
Iridium Communications
Manufacturers:
Thales Alenia Space
Nationalities:
United States
GRACE-FO 1-2
Type:
Satellite
Mass:
1,160 kg
Inclination Degree:
88.9912°
Customers:
NASA, DLR
Mission Images
