While the proprietary complexities of Snapdragon Satellite doomed it from the start, Project Stardust is based on 3GPP’s Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network standard (NB-NTN) ratified on the organization’s release 17.

Iridium Project Stardust features infographic
Stardust can work with both open and closed networks, depending on the device and segment. / © Iridium Image source: Iridium

Iridium Stardust leverages the company’s current constellation of 66 Low-Earth Orbit (LEO, 500~1500 km orbits) satellites, which should go beyond emergency messages. In fact, Iridium positions Stardust also for IoT devices. But for now, the company is only advertising simpler messaging features such as remote device control and monitoring.

Despite being standards-based, it won’t be possible to use current smartphones with Stardust. As with Apple@Globalstar (or even the canceled Snapdragon@Iridium) network, compatible components (modems, antennae) are necessary. 

The satellite connectivity market also has competition from Bullitt@Inmarsat and its two-way messaging system used in the Motorola Defy Satellite Link with MediaTek’s MT6825 chip communicating the more distant GEO (Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit, around 36 km orbit) constellation. And perhaps more impressively, T-Mobile’s partnership with SpaceX’s LEO constellation.

Promotional image for SpaceX and T-Mobile's satellite connectivity
T-Mobile@SpaceX’s network is compatible with many current LTE devices for two-way messaging (not data at first). / © T-Mobile Image source: T-Mobile

Different from the existing Starlink, the new system promises direct-to-cell connectivity and compatibility with existing smartphones (pending band support) using newer Starlink satellites, first launched a week ago.

What do you think of Iridium’s second try at mass-market satellite connectivity? Do you think it is still a niche feature? How much would you be willing to pay for a messaging-anywhere feature?