Over 20 years ago, Iridium launched a constellation of 66 satellites into space, paving the way for the future of satellite communications. Since their launch, the “Block 1” satellites created the largest global commercial satellite constellation, delivering reliable and critical communications to people, businesses and governments worldwide. From Earth, unexpected reminders of the constellation’s presence appeared – Iridium Flares, a streak of light in the sky caused by sunlight reflecting off the main mission antenna of an Iridium® satellite. These Flares, which can be seen anywhere in the world, have been likened to shooting stars.
Since the original launch of these Block 1 satellites, the world has changed – and so has Iridium. After living well beyond their initial lifespans thanks to the engineers at Iridium, the Block 1 satellites are being retired to make way for the future of Iridium. We are in the process of conducting the largest constellation replacement program in history, known as Iridium NEXT, all without any disruption in service. Our Iridium NEXT satellites will enable Iridium CertusSM, our new and advanced multi-service platform built to redefine the capabilities of mobile satellite communications.
We’re sad to say that as our original Block 1 satellites are deorbited, they’ll be taking their Iridium Flares with them. In light of that, we are excited to launch our #flarewell tribute page today. This page is dedicated to you – our Iridium supporters and Flare enthusiasts around the world!
On the #flarewell page, you’ll find Flare photos and stories from astrophotographers around the world, news clippings about Iridium Flares, details on how to catch a Flare, how we are working to responsibly deorbit Block 1 satellites and sustain space for future generations, a feed of the most recent #flarewell pictures being share on social media, and more!
We hope you’ll join us in saying #flarewell to our Block 1 satellites and help us welcome the future of Iridium NEXT! Check out our new web page at www.Iridium.com/flarewell, and make sure to tag #flarewell in your Flare photos and stories on social media: 
So sad to see the end of the flares.I have enjoyed the many nights watching the flares.Also showing others what to look for.cheers.Ria
I’ve seen flares over a dozen times over the years. On many occasions I’ve shared the experience with friends. It is too bad you can’t just leave a few of them in place.
I’m deeply saddened by the loss. In fact, I got a tear in my eye when I heard the news.
Do you know if the few remaining Block 1 satellites are trackable?
http://www.rod.sladen.org.uk/iridium.htm
– MVD
Heavens-above.com is a great place to track the remaining Block 1 satellites, when possible. Thanks!
Heavens above have ceased publishing the flare tracking
🙁
Ognuno di noi ricorderà lo stupore gioioso del primo flare e lo sprazzo di felicità quando abbiamo visto accendersi i successivi … E allora approfittiamo di quelli che potremo ancora vedere … ciao flare
Ha!
The neighborhood kids think I am some kind of weird space alien.
I have on several occasions, after the appropriate dramatic buildup, told them that aliens will be shooting off their laser guns as they enter earth’s atmosphere.
I tell them I have mental telepathy and can communicate with the aliens, and they tell me when they are coming. So just prior to the flare I tell them I am receiving messages by alien telepathy, and they are about to fire their lasers.
At the appropriate moment, I let out a blood curdling scream and point in the general direction of the flare.
You should see the looks on their faces!
Good times……
The first time I saw an Iridium Flare, I was camping with some of my best friends, a couple of which are no longer with us now. I yelled, “WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT??” Everyone looked just in time to see the brightest moment and it’s disappearance. I thought it was a Nuke in space. We were trippin (dumbfounded). After our trip to the desert, when I got home I googled “flare in the sky” and found Iridium flares and their explanation. Fun times.. Too bad they are gone now. At least I was fortunate enough to have seen them many times.
A small group of us faithfully observed Iridium satellites from the very beginning. Some people called us the “ Iridiots”. It was a great way to learn the sky and a lot of fun, thanks from the #1 Iridiot.
I remember how fun it was, showing my kids the flares when they first were reported by stargazers. Thoroughly enjoyed my 5 years helping get Iridium LLC underway in the 1990s, and happy to see the service expanding with a new generation of sats.
Seems like the frenzy to first launch was just yesterday and I remember my first ‘test’ call, sitting on the the lawn outside the SNOC, to my parents. Congrats to everyone at Iridium on getting NEXT up and keeping the ‘classics’ flying so far beyond their ‘best by date’. Hi to all Iridium alums!
Using predictions from the Heavens Above website I’ve watched introduced others to many flares over the years, both from home, and while visiting Canada. They will be much mourned. All in one balmy summer evening I was able to share with a visitor three of my habitual watchings: an ISS traverse, an Iridium Flare, and hedgehogs!