December 7, 2000

10:41 AM

FLASH: Iridium Saved.I don't get to write too many two word flashes... The DoD, specifically DISA, signed an 11th inning 2 year $72 million contract with Iridium LLC, saving them from splashing the constellation. [more...]
posted by baylink (21 comments total)

The contract may expand to a $252million deal running through 2007 if DISA are happy with the service. No word on current subscribers, though you'd assume that they would be able to re-up and continue as before the debacle.

You know, people like that guy single handing a boat around the world whose major comm link was an Iridium phone.

So, when can I get an Iridium data module for my Visor? :-)
posted by baylink at 10:42 AM on December 7, 2000

Oh; the definition of flash? According to UPI, if it's more than three words, it's not a flash. I can usually get flashes into three words. Two words is unusual.

There really is only *one* one word flash. Anyone wanna guess?
posted by baylink at 10:43 AM on December 7, 2000

WAR!
posted by zempf at 10:48 AM on December 7, 2000

PEACE!
posted by pnevares at 10:51 AM on December 7, 2000

SEX!
posted by schlomo at 10:53 AM on December 7, 2000

YAHTZEE!
posted by Avogadro at 10:59 AM on December 7, 2000

VICTORY!
posted by netbros at 11:03 AM on December 7, 2000

YAHTZEE!

Naw, that would be SportsCenter. And that's sooo last year. :-)
posted by ethmar at 11:08 AM on December 7, 2000

<chuckle>

Actually, Netbros is right; there are *two*; zempf got the other one.

Topic Drift Antidote.
posted by baylink at 11:34 AM on December 7, 2000

Cool! Then the Iridium flare phenomena will continue! If you've never seen one, check out the link.
posted by Sal Amander at 11:38 AM on December 7, 2000

This is good. It always seemed logical to me that there would be somebody who felt that buying a $5 billion satellite network for pennies on the dollar was worth it, replacement schedule notwithstanding. Still, I was prepared to believe that it was all over.
posted by dhartung at 11:47 AM on December 7, 2000

Jay, are you a professional journalist?
posted by dhartung at 11:48 AM on December 7, 2000

Here's some one-word flashes:

BUSH!

GORE!

NADER?!

posted by daveadams at 12:49 PM on December 7, 2000

Hey Sal, that is truly an ass kicking link. Thanks.

posted by norm at 1:02 PM on December 7, 2000

Those are pushing it a touch, Dave.

No, I'm just a wannabee...
posted by baylink at 2:06 PM on December 7, 2000

Yeah, who'd put an exclamation point after either BUSH or GORE?
posted by kindall at 7:44 PM on December 7, 2000

Yes, Sal Amander, the Iridium flare phenomenon is cool ... unless you're an astronomer. They hate those damn satellites. I bet just about every astronomer in the world is pulling his/her hair out right about now.
posted by Potsy at 1:31 AM on December 8, 2000

How about these:

BUSH 8-O

GORE :-(

NADER :-D
posted by daveadams at 9:41 AM on December 8, 2000

The fact is, things like Iridium flares have replaced actual amateur astronomy.
posted by dhartung at 10:36 AM on December 8, 2000

JENGA!
posted by mzanatta at 2:40 PM on December 8, 2000

And, to clarify, the contract was with Iridium *Satellite* LLC, who bought out the original corporation.
posted by baylink at 7:57 PM on December 11, 2000