Bill Text: VA HR65 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Iridium Communications.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-02-16 - Bill text as passed House (HR65ER) [HR65 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HR65-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Iridium Communications of McLean continued its important work to upgrade its network of commercial low-earth orbit satellites with the successful launch of the SpaceX Iridium-4 NEXT Mission on December 22, 2017; and
WHEREAS, founded in 2001, Iridium Communications operates a constellation of satellites used for worldwide voice and data communication via handheld satellite phones and other devices; the unique satellite network covers the entire planet, including its oceans and poles; and
WHEREAS, the Iridium-4 NEXT Mission was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and delivered the fourth group of 10 satellites aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket; in total, SpaceX will deliver 75 of Iridium Communications' planned 81 satellites; and
WHEREAS, the Iridium NEXT satellite network will support innovative new programs and services like the Aireon real-time aircraft tracking and surveillance system and the company's next generation communication platform, Certus; and
WHEREAS, Certus will enable faster speeds and higher throughputs for Iridium Communications' vast network of partners, including users in aviation, the maritime industry, government, and the private sector; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Iridium Communications hereby be commended on the successful launch of the SpaceX Iridium-4 NEXT Mission in 2017; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Iridium Communications as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the company's contributions to the Commonwealth and its users throughout the world.