Raytheon has successfully integrated a flight-worthy main mission antenna (MMA) with Iridium Satellite’s special test equipment to simulate on-orbit antenna performance.

The Iridium Satellite company offers global satellite voice and data communications with complete coverage of the earth. Its constellation consists of 66 low earth-orbiting, cross-linked satellites and has multiple in-orbit spares.

The constellation operates as a fully meshed network and is the largest commercial satellite constellation in the world.

Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems vice president Engineering Michael Del Checcolo said that Raytheon is proud of its continuing role in ensuring the system’s ability to provide superior worldwide coverage for warfighters and essential industries.

For the satellite, Raytheon has also developed the antenna control software needed to provide enhanced operational flexibility and enhanced MMA performance.