The contract enables ISC Kosmotras to provide Dnepr launch services for the Iridium Next program starting in 2015. The Kosmotras Dnepr will join SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as the chosen launch craft for the deployment of the constellation.

“ISC Kosmotras is a well-established company with an excellent record as a reliable launch services provider, and the Dnepr rocket is a proven and robust launch vehicle with more than 15 orbital flights and 55 payloads deployed,” Iridium Executive Vice President of Satellite Development and Operations Scott Smith said in a statement.

             Iridium Next will replace Iridium’s current constellation with 66 operational communication satellites. The network includes six in-orbit spares and nine ground spares. Launches are scheduled to begin in early 2015 and continue through 2017. Thales Alenia Space is the primary contractor for Iridium Next.

            Financial details of the ISC Kosmotras contract were not disclosed.