The satellites join 22 others previously launched by three Boeing Delta 2 rockets and aProton vehicle.
Delta rockets can boost five satellites per launch.
A network of 66 low-Earth orbiting satellites will eventually form the wirelesscommunications service to debut commercially in September 1998. Iridium will givesubscribers capability for telephone calls, paging services, and fax and data transmissionsfrom virtually anywhere on the planet. The only major snag experienced in assembling the satellite constellation has been theapparent failure of one satellite after its July 9 launch on a Boeing Delta 2 rocket. Controllers lost contact with the Lockheed Martin Telecommunications-built spacecraftbefore it could be boosted to its final orbital altitude. Although no progress has been made it recovering the satellite in the past two months, thespacecraft has not been written off.