MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 11, 2010 -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) announces that it has won three Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) contracts to upgrade the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Enhanced Mobile Satellite Service (EMSS) Gateway in Hawaii. This effort, which is part of the DoD's EMSS Gateway Modernization Effort, is driven by three predominantly firm fixed-price contracts totaling $12,215,576.

The DoD's Iridium EMSS Gateway serves as a dedicated portal for the uplink and downlink of voice and data traffic through Iridium satellites for DoD and other U.S. government users throughout the world. 

The scope of work covered under the DISA contracts includes replacement of key switching systems, upgrades to critical components of the Message Origination Center (MOC) and replacement of antenna radomes at the EMSS Gateway.

"This illustrates Iridium's importance as a part of the DoD's communications infrastructure and is a continuation of a long and valuable partnership," said Lt. Gen. John H. Campbell, USAF (Ret.), executive vice president, government programs.

"Iridium's global network of cross-linked satellites and supporting ground infrastructure provides vital communication links for U.S. military forces and civilian government agencies deployed anywhere in the world," said Scott Scheimreif, vice president, government programs for Iridium. "Our upgrade work is focused on enhancing the DoD's opportunities to utilize the Iridium network as it expands its Iridium-based satellite communications applications. In addition, we are dedicated to delivering the industry-leading, reliable performance that is certified for our U.S. government customers. Finally, we are building in enhancements that support our mutual migration toward our next-generation constellation, Iridium NEXT."

The design and development of Iridium NEXT is underway and the company expects to launch the first satellites in early 2015.

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium Communications Inc. (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-Earth orbiting (LEO) cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. and international government agencies. The company's customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. The company is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A. and trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the ticker symbols IRDM (common stock), IRDMW ($7.00 warrants), IRDMZ ($11.50 warrants) and IRDMU (units).

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not purely historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the expected date for the first launch of the Iridium NEXT satellites.  Other forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "anticipates," "may," "can," "believes," "expects," "projects," "intends," "likely," "will," "to be" and other expressions that are predictions or indicate future events, trends or prospects. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Iridium to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding the development of Iridium NEXT and the anticipated timing of the launch of the Iridium NEXT satellites. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include those factors listed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2010. There is no assurance that Iridium's expectations will be realized. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Iridium's underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Iridium's forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Iridium undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.
 

CONTACT:  Iridium Communications Inc.

          Press Contact: 

          Marie Knowles 

          +1 (703) 287-7476 

          marie.knowles@iridium.com



          Rhodes Communications Inc.

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