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[Eric Berger] In a bold move, Rocket Lab acquires Iridium Communications (arstechnica.com)
submitted 4 months ago by to c/rocketlab@lemmy.nz
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[–] 5 points 4 months ago (4 children)

I'd love to see them build a GSM in space system similar to what Spacex has, that's an amazing service that makes extended trips in the outdoors so much easier and safer.

The main problem I can see is Spacex is launching at an insane rate, and I don't know if Rocket lab has that same capability.

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  • [–] 5 points 4 months ago (3 children)

    I use the Iridium network on my Inreach for outdoorsy stuff in the middle of nowhere. It can take a few minutes to get a weather report or send a text. It's way more basic than what the direct-to-cell services are working on. I'm fine with slowing down and disconnecting like that, but it could be an issue in an emergency.

    It feels like the clock has been ticking on Iridium. More people who I hike with have satellite connections straight to their phone, and they're getting more usable and reliable every year.

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  • [–] 3 points 4 months ago (2 children)

    Yeah, Iridium is an incredibly old service and technology, designed mainly around the needs of the maritime industry. The people I know who use it also have a PLB, which is a much more reliable option in my view.

    I think the Inreach and other similar devices are done for at this point.

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  • [–] 2 points 4 months ago (1 child)

    Direct-to-cell still feels like something that I don't want to get my life on if I'm backpacking solo, but I'm definitely looking forward to when I can dump the Inreach hardware and subscription.

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  • [–] 1 point 4 months ago

    I can definitely see why someone would have mixed feelings about the tech, being truly disconnected from the world has it's benefits.

    But, I'd rather be able to get accurate weather forecasts.

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