Iridium Makes Satellite Connections with Modem SiP

As part of its development of a satellite-based communications network, Iridium Communications Inc. successfully tested its Iridium NTN Direct low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications network. The firm now prepares for beta testing and commercial testing of the global non-terrestrial network (NTN) service in 2026, including for two-way messaging. 

The expanded coverage comes by means of narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device technologies, which enable the combination of terrestrial and satellite communications capabilities. 

The testing employed 5G cellular waveforms implemented on Iridium’s software-defined satellites. Key to the success was the use of the low-power model nRF9151 (NTN) device (see image above) from Nordic Semiconductor, a low-power LTE modem system-in-package (SiP) device that's a fraction of the size of its predecessor. It enabled communication with mobile-originated messages by means of the Iridium satellite constellation.

Oyvind Birkenes, executive vice president of Nordic’s Long-Range Business Unit, noted, “This successful test proves that global connectivity is no longer limited by infrastructure — we can now deploy battery-powered connected devices anywhere, using a standard, low-power module such as Nordic’s nRF9151. Our roadmap is fully aligned with Iridium’s 2026 plans, and we are committed to accelerating mass-market adoption of standards-based, space-enabled IoT for everyone.”