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Autonomy Without Boundaries

The Future Operates Beyond the Horizon

Autonomous systems are redefining how industries operate, collecting data, performing missions, and responding in real time without the need for constant human input. But independence requires connection.

Iridium’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network provides weather-resilient, truly global connections that keep autonomous systems online no matter their mission environment. Whether managing a fleet of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), deploying uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), or distributing smart unattended sensors, Iridium ensures your operations stay informed, efficient, and secure.

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Why Autonomous Systems Depend on Iridium

Autonomous systems rely on uninterrupted data exchange to perform and adapt. Iridium ensures every asset stays connected and mission-ready beyond terrestrial coverage.

From defense and environmental monitoring to logistics and smart infrastructure, Iridium’s satellite connectivity empowers decision-making and safety worldwide. Our network supports:

  • Command and control of uncrewed vehicles
  • Transmission of mission and sensor data
  • Status, diagnostics, and health monitoring
  • Secure and redundant communication links

Operating in low Earth orbit, Iridium satellites provide low-latency connectivity with pole-to-pole coverage — the backbone for autonomous operations that cannot afford to lose signal or time.

Applications Across Every Domain

Iridium powers the evolution of autonomous systems across air, sea, and land, enabling smarter, safer, and more resilient operations that perform without compromise.

Aviation

Iridium connectivity supports beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations and helps enable compliance with FAA Part 108 for unmanned aircraft. From cargo and surveillance UAVs to crewed aviation systems advancing automation, Iridium Global Line of Sight (GLOS) keeps the skies connected and safe.
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Maritime

At sea, Iridium connects uncrewed surface vessels, autonomous underwater vehicles, and smart buoys delivering real-time insights. Our network provides the reliability required for months-long operations in extreme ocean conditions.
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Photo Credit: IBM/Promare - The Mayflower Autonomous Ship equipped with an Iridium Certus terminal.

Unattended Sensors

Small but powerful, unattended sensors collect and transmit critical data from the most isolated locations. Whether monitoring wildfires, security perimeters, or environmental change, Iridium connectivity ensures their insights are never out of reach.
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Autonomous Cars & Trucks

Autonomous cars and trucks and rely on constant data and resilient control links. We deliver a global safety net that bridges cellular gaps so situational awareness, system health, and remote oversight stay intact from departure to destination.
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Autonomy in Action

Across industries and missions, Iridium enables innovation through real-world autonomous applications, from smart logistics to environmental protection.

  • Record-Breaking NASA UAV Mission

    UAV flying above clouds
    UAV performs essential NASA environmental mission in the Arctic.

  • Enabling Cost-Effective Sustainable Ocean Research

    X16 Launch vessel in water with mountains in background
    Traditional seafloor-mapping methods have become obsolete and incapable of keeping up with the demands of the global ocean economy.

  • How SATCOM Helps Improve Climate Monitoring Accuracy

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    Meteorological research requires access to a constant stream of oceanographic data, including sensors located in oceans across the globe.

The connection provided by the Iridium system gives us the ability to monitor the AI systems in real time while underway and helps us prepare for the next steps in their development.

Don Scott

Chief Technical Officer, Mayflower Autonomous Ship

IoT for Autonomous Systems

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Enable persistent monitoring and data reporting with Iridium IoT solutions designed for low-power, mission-critical performance. Keep autonomous platforms informed and responsive anywhere on the planet.

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Iridium Certus®

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Support advanced command, control, and real-time awareness with Iridium Certus® connectivity services. Deliver dependable, high-quality connectivity for autonomous vehicles operating in remote, contested, or hard-to-reach environments.

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Iridium PNT Resilience Against Spoofing

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Enhance autonomous operations with Iridium Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services that deliver resilient, spoof-resistant, and jam-resistant signals. Maintain trusted performance when accuracy, safety, and mission continuity matter most.

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Global and Reliable

Operate anywhere with Iridium’s weather-resilient, low Earth orbit network providing 100% global coverage.

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Iridium Network

Scalable and Efficient

Right-sized hardware and bandwidth options meet the needs of assets from micro-sensors to large autonomous vehicles.

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Secure and Proven

Trusted by governments, enterprises, and innovators worldwide for mission-critical operations requiring uncompromised connectivity.

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Connect Your Autonomous Systems Globally

Empower your mission with reliable, low-latency satellite connectivity built for autonomous operations anywhere on Earth.

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