<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<!-- Generated by DataTracks version 1.1.6 on 30-Jul-2014 [05:44:01] {PM} EST - www.datatracks.com -->
<schema targetNamespace="http://www.iridium.com/20140630" elementFormDefault="qualified" xmlns:irdm="http://www.iridium.com/20140630" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xl="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/XLink" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:us-gaap="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2014-01-31" xmlns:country="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013-01-31" xmlns:currency="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2014-01-31" xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014-01-31" xmlns:exch="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2014-01-31" xmlns:invest="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" xmlns:naics="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011-01-31" xmlns:sic="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" xmlns:us-types="http://fasb.org/us-types/2014-01-31" xmlns:stpr="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011-01-31" xmlns:deprecated="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric">
  <annotation>
    <appinfo>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" id="DocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>101 - Document - Document And Entity Information</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" id="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>102 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" id="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>103 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Parenthetical]</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveIncome" id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveIncome">
        <link:definition>104 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>105 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndPrinciplesOfConsolidation" id="BasisOfPresentationAndPrinciplesOfConsolidation">
        <link:definition>106 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies" id="SignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>107 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecurities" id="CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecurities">
        <link:definition>108 - Disclosure - Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" id="CommitmentsAndContingencies">
        <link:definition>109 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/StockbasedCompensation" id="StockbasedCompensation">
        <link:definition>110 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/EquityTransactionsAndInstruments" id="EquityTransactionsAndInstruments">
        <link:definition>111 - Disclosure - Equity Transactions and Instruments</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/NetIncomePerShare" id="NetIncomePerShare">
        <link:definition>112 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Share</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>113 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables">
        <link:definition>114 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecuritiesTables" id="CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecuritiesTables">
        <link:definition>115 - Disclosure - Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities (Tables)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" id="CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables">
        <link:definition>116 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/NetIncomePerShareTables" id="NetIncomePerShareTables">
        <link:definition>117 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Share (Tables)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails">
        <link:definition>118 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecuritiesDetails" id="CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecuritiesDetails">
        <link:definition>119 - Disclosure - Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities (Details)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecuritiesDetails1" id="CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecuritiesDetails1">
        <link:definition>120 - Disclosure - Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities (Details 1)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecuritiesDetails2" id="CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecuritiesDetails2">
        <link:definition>121 - Disclosure - Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities (Details 2)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecuritiesDetailsTextual" id="CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndMarketableSecuritiesDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>122 - Disclosure - Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities (Details Textual)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" id="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails">
        <link:definition>123 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsTextual" id="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>124 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/StockbasedCompensationDetailsTextual" id="StockbasedCompensationDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>125 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/EquityTransactionsAndInstrumentsDetailsTextual" id="EquityTransactionsAndInstrumentsDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>126 - Disclosure - Equity Transactions and Instruments (Details Textual)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/NetIncomePerShareDetails" id="NetIncomePerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>127 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Share (Details)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iridium.com/role/NetIncomePerShareDetailsTextual" id="NetIncomePerShareDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>128 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Share (Details Textual)</link:definition>

        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>

        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>

      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="irdm-20140630_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />

      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="irdm-20140630_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />

      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="irdm-20140630_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />

      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="irdm-20140630_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
    </appinfo>
  </annotation>

  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2014-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2014-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2014/currency-2014-01-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2014-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2014/exch-2014-01-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011/naics-2011-01-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011/sic-2011-01-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/factExplanatory-2009-12-16.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />

  <import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2014-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-types-2014-01-31.xsd" />

  <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" id="irdm_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" />

  <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" />

  <element name="AccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_AccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilities" />

  <element name="AccruedSatelliteOperationsAndMaintenanceExpenseNoncurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_AccruedSatelliteOperationsAndMaintenanceExpenseNoncurrent" />

  <element name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesMatureWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesMatureWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" />

  <element name="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedGainPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateGainLoss" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedGainPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateGainLoss" />

  <element name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesMatureWithinOneYearAmortizedFairValue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesMatureWithinOneYearAmortizedFairValue" />

  <element name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneYearWithinThreeYearsAmortizedCost" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneYearWithinThreeYearsAmortizedCost" />

  <element name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneYearWithinThreeYearsAmortizedUnrealizedGainLoss" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneYearWithinThreeYearsAmortizedUnrealizedGainLoss" />

  <element name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneYearWithinThreeYearsFairValue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneYearWithinThreeYearsFairValue" />

  <element name="CommercialPaperAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CommercialPaperAbstract" />

  <element name="CommercialPaperMatureWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CommercialPaperMatureWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" />

  <element name="CommercialPaperMatureWithinOneYearUnrealizedGainLoss" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CommercialPaperMatureWithinOneYearUnrealizedGainLoss" />

  <element name="CommercialPaperMatureWithinOneYearEstimatedFairValue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CommercialPaperMatureWithinOneYearEstimatedFairValue" />

  <element name="UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritiesNetOfTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_UnrealizedGainLossOnSecuritiesNetOfTax" />

  <element name="CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" id="irdm_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" />

  <element name="LineOfCreditPaymentTermAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" id="irdm_LineOfCreditPaymentTermAxis" />

  <element name="CommitmentsAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" id="irdm_CommitmentsAxis" />

  <element name="CommitmentsDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CommitmentsDomain" />

  <element name="FsdMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_FsdMember" />

  <element name="ThalesAleniaSpaceFranceMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_ThalesAleniaSpaceFranceMember" />

  <element name="SpaceExplorationTechnologiesCorpMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_SpaceExplorationTechnologiesCorpMember" />

  <element name="KosmotrasMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_KosmotrasMember" />

  <element name="HarrisMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_HarrisMember" />

  <element name="TechnicalSupportCenterMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_TechnicalSupportCenterMember" />

  <element name="SeriesCumulativeConvertiblePreferredStockMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_SeriesCumulativeConvertiblePreferredStockMember" />

  <element name="MaximumCommitmentAmountDueToRelatedPartyAmended" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_MaximumCommitmentAmountDueToRelatedPartyAmended" />

  <element name="CommitmentsPriceForDesignAndBuildOfSatellites" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CommitmentsPriceForDesignAndBuildOfSatellites" />

  <element name="RefundableDeposit" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_RefundableDeposit" />

  <element name="MinimumRequiredCashReserveBalanceForCreditFacility" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_MinimumRequiredCashReserveBalanceForCreditFacility" />

  <element name="MinimumRequiredCashReserveBalanceForCreditFacilityAtBeginningOfRepaymentPeriod" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_MinimumRequiredCashReserveBalanceForCreditFacilityAtBeginningOfRepaymentPeriod" />

  <element name="LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePayable" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePayable" />

  <element name="TwoThousandNineStockIncentivePlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_TwoThousandNineStockIncentivePlanMember" />

  <element name="TwoThousandTwelveStockIncentivePlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_TwoThousandTwelveStockIncentivePlanMember" />

  <element name="ServiceBasedRsuMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_ServiceBasedRsuMember" />

  <element name="PerformanceBasedRsuMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PerformanceBasedRsuMember" />

  <element name="NewlyAuthorizedSharesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_NewlyAuthorizedSharesMember" />

  <element name="TwoThousandNineStockIncentivePlanAvailableMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_TwoThousandNineStockIncentivePlanAvailableMember" />

  <element name="TwoThousandNineStockIncentivePlanOutstandingMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_TwoThousandNineStockIncentivePlanOutstandingMember" />

  <element name="AnnualCompensationPlan2012Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_AnnualCompensationPlan2012Member" />

  <element name="NonEmployeeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_NonEmployeeMember" />

  <element name="EmployeeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_EmployeeMember" />

  <element name="ConsultantMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_ConsultantMember" />

  <element name="SeriesACumulativeConvertiblePerpetualPreferredStockMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_SeriesACumulativeConvertiblePerpetualPreferredStockMember" />

  <element name="NumberOfSharesStockIncentivePlanNewlyAuthorized" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_NumberOfSharesStockIncentivePlanNewlyAuthorized" />

  <element name="GrantDateFairValueOfStockOptions" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_GrantDateFairValueOfStockOptions" />

  <element name="GrantDateFairValueOfRestrictedStockUnits" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_GrantDateFairValueOfRestrictedStockUnits" />

  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRestrictedStockVestingRangeMinimum" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRestrictedStockVestingRangeMinimum" />

  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRestrictedStockVestingRangeMaximum" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRestrictedStockVestingRangeMaximum" />

  <element name="PercentageOfRestrictedStockUnitsAwardsVestedAfterTwoYears" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PercentageOfRestrictedStockUnitsAwardsVestedAfterTwoYears" />

  <element name="PercentageOfRestrictedStockUnitsAwardsVestedAfterThirdYear" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PercentageOfRestrictedStockUnitsAwardsVestedAfterThirdYear" />

  <element name="QuarterlyVestingPercentage" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_QuarterlyVestingPercentage" />

  <element name="FirstAnniversaryVestingPercentage" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_FirstAnniversaryVestingPercentage" />

  <element name="EquityTransactionsAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" id="irdm_EquityTransactionsAxis" />

  <element name="EquityTransactionsDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_EquityTransactionsDomain" />

  <element name="TenderOfferWarrantExchangeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_TenderOfferWarrantExchangeMember" />

  <element name="PrivateWarrantExchangesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PrivateWarrantExchangesMember" />

  <element name="PrivateOfferingMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PrivateOfferingMember" />

  <element name="Warrants700Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_Warrants700Member" />

  <element name="Warrants1150Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_Warrants1150Member" />

  <element name="UnitsIssuedDuringPeriodOfInitialPublicOffering" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_UnitsIssuedDuringPeriodOfInitialPublicOffering" />

  <element name="PricePerUnitOfInitialPublicOffering" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PricePerUnitOfInitialPublicOffering" />

  <element name="PricePerShareOfCommonStock" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PricePerShareOfCommonStock" />

  <element name="PricePerShareOfWarrants" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PricePerShareOfWarrants" />

  <element name="SharesOfWarrantsExpire" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_SharesOfWarrantsExpire" />

  <element name="UnexercisedWarrantsPricePerShare" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_UnexercisedWarrantsPricePerShare" />

  <element name="RedemptionPricePerWarrant" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_RedemptionPricePerWarrant" />

  <element name="InvestmentWarrantExpirationYear" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_InvestmentWarrantExpirationYear" />

  <element name="NumberOfWarrantsExchangeForNewWarrants" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_NumberOfWarrantsExchangeForNewWarrants" />

  <element name="CommonStockRedemptionPriceDescription" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CommonStockRedemptionPriceDescription" />

  <element name="ClassOfWarrantExercisePriceOfWarrants" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_ClassOfWarrantExercisePriceOfWarrants" />

  <element name="ConvertiblePerpetualPreferredDiscountOnIssueOfSharesIncludingOfferingCosts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_ConvertiblePerpetualPreferredDiscountOnIssueOfSharesIncludingOfferingCosts" />

  <element name="PreferredStockConversionRate" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PreferredStockConversionRate" />

  <element name="PreferredStockConvertibleConversionPrice" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PreferredStockConvertibleConversionPrice" />

  <element name="PreferredStockSharesAuthorizedUndesignatedAndUnissued" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PreferredStockSharesAuthorizedUndesignatedAndUnissued" />

  <element name="AnnualCashDividendAmount" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_AnnualCashDividendAmount" />

  <element name="NumeratorAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_NumeratorAbstract" />

  <element name="NumeratorForBasicNetIncomeLossPerShare" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_NumeratorForBasicNetIncomeLossPerShare" />

  <element name="DenominatorAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_DenominatorAbstract" />

  <element name="DilutiveEffectOfStockOptions" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_DilutiveEffectOfStockOptions" />

  <element name="SecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_SecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />

  <element name="BalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_BalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract" />

  <element name="CashRestrictedForDebtServiceReserveIncreases" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CashRestrictedForDebtServiceReserveIncreases" />

  <element name="CashRestrictedForDebtServiceReserveDecreases" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CashRestrictedForDebtServiceReserveDecreases" />

  <element name="SupplementalDisclosureOfNonCashInvestingActivitiesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_SupplementalDisclosureOfNonCashInvestingActivitiesAbstract" />

  <element name="InterestCapitalizedButNotPaid" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_InterestCapitalizedButNotPaid" />

  <element name="CapitalizedAmortizationOfDeferredFinancingCosts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CapitalizedAmortizationOfDeferredFinancingCosts" />

  <element name="CapitalizedPaidinkindInterest" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CapitalizedPaidinkindInterest" />

  <element name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" />

  <element name="StockBasedCompensationCapitalized" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_StockBasedCompensationCapitalized" />

  <element name="LineOfCreditPaymentTermDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_LineOfCreditPaymentTermDomain" />

  <element name="CashPaymentsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CashPaymentsMember" />

  <element name="DeemedLoanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_DeemedLoanMember" />

  <element name="CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" />

  <element name="LineOfCreditFacilitiesInterestPayableTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_LineOfCreditFacilitiesInterestPayableTableTextBlock" />

  <element name="PurchaseObligationAmountForSingleLaunch" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PurchaseObligationAmountForSingleLaunch" />

  <element name="ConstructionInProgressFundedByCreditFacility" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_ConstructionInProgressFundedByCreditFacility" />

  <element name="PreferredStockPurchasePricePerShare" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PreferredStockPurchasePricePerShare" />

  <element name="CommonStockPurchasePricePerShare" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_CommonStockPurchasePricePerShare" />

  <element name="PrivatePlacement" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PrivatePlacement" />

  <element name="StockPurchaseAgreementCommencingStartDate" type="xbrli:dateItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_StockPurchaseAgreementCommencingStartDate" />

  <element name="StockPurchaseAgreementCommencingEndDate" type="xbrli:dateItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_StockPurchaseAgreementCommencingEndDate" />

  <element name="StockPurchaseAgreementDescription" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_StockPurchaseAgreementDescription" />

  <element name="PublicOfferingMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PublicOfferingMember" />

  <element name="UnderwriterMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_UnderwriterMember" />

  <element name="InvoiceReceivedPaymentTermDescription" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_InvoiceReceivedPaymentTermDescription" />

  <element name="ExecutivesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_ExecutivesMember" />

  <element name="LineOfCreditFacilityInterestPaymentsDuringPeriod" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestPaymentsDuringPeriod" />

  <element name="InterestPayableCurrentCash" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_InterestPayableCurrentCash" />

  <element name="InterestExpenseCash" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_InterestExpenseCash" />

  <element name="LineOfCreditFacilityCashInterestPaymentsDuringPeriod" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_LineOfCreditFacilityCashInterestPaymentsDuringPeriod" />

  <element name="InterestPayableCurrentDeemedLoan" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_InterestPayableCurrentDeemedLoan" />

  <element name="InterestExpenseDeemedLoan" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_InterestExpenseDeemedLoan" />

  <element name="LineOfCreditFacilityDeemedLoanInterestPaymentsDuringPeriod" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_LineOfCreditFacilityDeemedLoanInterestPaymentsDuringPeriod" />

  <element name="LineOfCreditFacilityMinimumCashReserveRequiredPriorToExecutionOfSupplementalAgreement" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_LineOfCreditFacilityMinimumCashReserveRequiredPriorToExecutionOfSupplementalAgreement" />

  <element name="ConvertiblePerpetualPreferredDiscountPerShareOnIssueOfShares" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_ConvertiblePerpetualPreferredDiscountPerShareOnIssueOfShares" />

  <element name="LineOfCreditFacilityDelayOfContributionsToDebtServiceReserveAccountDescription" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_LineOfCreditFacilityDelayOfContributionsToDebtServiceReserveAccountDescription" />

  <element name="LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePaidAmount" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePaidAmount" />

  <element name="PricePerShareOfPreferredStock" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" id="irdm_PricePerShareOfPreferredStock" />
</schema>



