MCLEAN, Va. - Iridium Communications Inc. in McLean, Va. introduced the Iridium Certus 9704, a compact Internet of Things (IoT) module designed for global satellite connectivity. Alongside the module, the company launched the Iridium Certus 9704 Development Kit to support developers creating satellite-based IoT solutions.
The module is expected to play a role in the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) field, where IoT devices integrate with AI-powered cloud systems. Iridium said its design allows for offloading computational tasks to the cloud, reducing the need for edge-device processing and increasing efficiency.
Iridium says its new module enables faster data transfers and supports applications like predictive maintenance, telemetry, asset tracking, and command and control for uncrewed systems. Iridium said the module is also suited for environmental monitoring, such as wildfire detection and wildlife tracking, as well as personal safety devices.
"We've now packed more capability and value into the smallest module ever from Iridium," said Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium. "When companies choose to develop with Iridium, they know they are partnering with the leader in satellite IoT applications, and we'll support them through the development and deployment of their solutions. We're excited to see how they implement this new technology."
The Iridium Certus 9704 is 34% smaller than the Iridium 9603 module and consumes 83% less power in idle mode than its predecessors. This optimization makes it suitable for battery-powered devices, while its two-way messaging capabilities provide real-time data delivery and confirmation over Iridium’s global satellite network.
"The Iridium Certus 9704 module and Development Kit were designed with the developer in mind," said Omar Azad, associate director of product management at Iridium. "We want to make it as easy as possible for anyone to experience the new module's capabilities and quality of the IMT service."
The accompanying development kit includes a motherboard, power supply, antenna, and software based on the Arduino platform. It also comes with 1,000 free messages and access to online reference materials, providing developers with tools for testing the module and integrating it into new products.
