In Iridium Satellite Systems, how long does each satellite take to orbit the earth?

In the context of the Iridium Satellite System, each satellite's orbital period, or the time it takes to complete one full orbit around the Earth, is approximately 100 minutes. This corresponds to the system's specific design for providing global coverage with its constellation of low Earth orbit satellites.

The choice reflects the necessary balance of altitude, velocity, and coverage aimed at minimizing latency while ensuring comprehensive service across the globe. An orbital period of about 100 minutes enables the satellites to effectively communicate with each other and with ground stations, facilitating the system's functionality in voice and data communication.

The design and operational parameters are optimized to maintain connectivity for users, particularly in remote areas where traditional communication infrastructure may be lacking. This makes the 100-minute orbital period an ideal fit for the operational needs of the Iridium system.