由66颗低地球轨道卫星组成的“铱”卫星星座定于1998年底开始提供全球手持电话业务。该星座系统进展还比较顺利，目前已进人即将发射首批卫星的阶段，但原定的发射计划因火箭的原因将有所推迟。“铱”系统的第一次发射可能在1997年3～4月，这次发射将采用美国麦道公司的德尔他- The “iridium” satellite constellation of 66 low Earth orbit satellites is scheduled to provide the global handset service by the end of 1998. The constellation system is still relatively smooth progress has now entered the upcoming launch of the first satellite stage, but the original launch plan due to the reasons for the rocket will be postponed. The first launch of the “iridium” system may be from March to April 1997, and the launch will use Delta, the McDonnell Douglas Company of the United States,