The Rise and Fall of Iridium

Examines the history of Iridium Communications, a provider of mobile satellite services. Discusses the genesis of Iridium's technical design, then follows the venture through various stages of development. Describes Iridium's attempts to build a subscriber base after the launch of commercial service, ending with the company's filing for Chapter 11 in 1999.

1. What is your evaluation of Iridium's satellite system (e.g., LEO, gateway, handset)? What impact did the system choices that were made have on the subsequent evolution of the venture?
2. What is your evaluation of Iridium's business organization (e.g., board of directors, partnerships)? What changes would you have made to the organization?
3. Decision point: Who was more to blame for Iridium's failure - (a)engineering team(who built the satellite system) or (b)management team(who ran the business)? Why?