Iridium lost a satellite to a collision with a non-working Russian satellite several weeks ago, but has already replaced it. The action comes by repositioning an in-orbit spare within the 66-satellite network. Even following the collision, the satellite communications network managed to maintain full service to its customers.
As noted by Matt Desch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Iridium, "I am particularly proud of the Iridium and Boeing teams that manage our constellation. They moved quickly, efficiently, and effectively to limit the minor service degradation caused by the collision and to return our constellation to its full configuration." In spite of Iridium's efforts in working with the United States government to improve assessment and warning of such disasters, Desch feels that a great deal of work remains to be done, including a long-term investment in improving Space Situational Awareness (SSA) to better understand the space environment, as well as improved information sharing between the industry and the US government.