T-Minus Space Daily: Satellite-enabled Rebelle Rally with Iridium

Episode Date: November 15, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazes, N2K Networks
Guest: Suzy McBride, Chief Operating Officer, Iridium

Overview

This episode of T-Minus Space Daily explores how satellite technology powers the Rebelle Rally—a unique, women-only, off-road navigation competition traversing 2,500 kilometers of Nevada and California’s most remote deserts. Maria Varmazes speaks with Suzy McBride, Iridium's COO and a four-time Rebelle competitor, about the critical role of satellite connectivity in ensuring safety, scoring, and logistics in challenging environments where traditional networks don't reach.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. What is the Rebelle Rally?

• A navigation, not speed, rally—focused on precision and endurance.

• Overview: 8-day, 2,500km, off-road rally for women, using only analog navigation (maps, compasses)—no GPS or cell phones.

• Unique Structure: Participants (driver & navigator teams) receive waypoints ("coordinates for the day") each morning. The route and destination evolve daily.

• Quote:

  "It's over like 2,500 kilometers and it's an eight day competition and it just happens to be for women." – Suzy McBride (04:59)

• Locations: Primarily through deserts in California and Nevada, usually starting in Mammoth, CA, ending in southern California sand dunes.

2. Iridium’s Role in the Rebelle Rally

• Safety & Connectivity Backbone: Iridium provides satellite phones and IoT tracking devices (in partnership with Yellow Brick/YB tracking) to all participants & staff for safety, scoring, and communication in remote zones—where terrestrial networks are unreachable.

• Use Cases:

  • Emergency response (direct line to dispatch)
  • Real-time tracking & position scoring
  • Geo-fencing for precise checkpoint validation
  • Push-to-talk communications for support/safety teams over wide areas

• Why Iridium?

  • Chosen for its global coverage, reliability, and variety of communication tools.
  • Quote:

  "It's because of Iridium...she (Rebelle Rally founder Emily Miller) chose Iridium because she knew it was very reliable. She knew that she could build an entire event around us." – Suzy McBride (19:25)

• Operational Impact: Iridium technology is vital for event permitting/regulatory compliance due to safety assurances.

3. Firsthand Experience as a Competitor

• Training:

  • Participants often have little to no off-road experience.
  • Rebelle U trains women in navigation and vehicle handling.
  • Quote:

  "I say I'm a Rebelle off-roader because I do it for the Rebelle. ... You just kind of, you know, take it one step at a time. It was a challenge and scary. But after doing it, it kind of feels powerful..." – Suzy McBride (09:10)

• Daily Routine:

  • Wake up around 4-5am, plot waypoints, prepare vehicle (driver/navigator teamwork).
  • 10+ hours searching for checkpoints, with three levels of checkpoint difficulty (green/easy, blue/intermediate, black/no visible marker).
  • Scoring: Precision required—black checkpoints have strict geofencing (25 meters accuracy).
  • Return to camp for communal dinner (Michelin chef!), debrief, rest, and repeat.

• Community & Transformation:

  • Diverse backgrounds—STEM, hospitality, construction, law, etc.
  • The rally fosters resilience, focus, empowerment, and new friendships.
  • Quote:

  "For somebody who works in communications, it's ironic for me to say this, but it is amazing to be off the grid completely and focus in on one thing for that week." – Suzy McBride (12:50)

• Comfort in Connectivity:

  • The security of Iridium connectivity enables competitors to push outside their comfort zones while remaining safe.
  • Quote:

  "We know we're never truly off grid...I would not feel as comfortable at all just doing it alone without having the connectivity we do have." – Suzy McBride (14:12)

4. Reflections on Satellite-enabled Safety and Empowerment

• Satcom as an Enabler: Technology removes traditional barriers in remote adventure and opens participation to non-experts.
• Life-changing Experience: Many participants return, describe the event as transformative.
• Broader Lessons: The Rebelle Rally is an example of how advanced space infrastructure protects and empowers people in extreme environments.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Technological Evolution:

  "We started back in the 90s...it has completely innovated and changed from that original concept."
  — Suzy McBride, on Iridium’s journey (03:13)

• On Training and Challenge:

  "Something else the Rebelle and Emily really preach is that a lot of these cars are capable of a lot more than people use them for."
  — Suzy McBride (09:10)

• On the Power of Disconnection:

  "It is amazing to be off the grid completely and focus in on one thing for that week...just let the rest of the world go for a week."
  — Suzy McBride (12:50)

• On the Security of Satellite Communication:

  "We're never truly off grid...I would not feel as comfortable at all just doing it alone without having the connectivity we do have."
  — Suzy McBride (14:12)

• On Community and Diversity:

  "There's just all kinds of interesting people and backgrounds as part of the Rebelle, which also makes the connections of your friendships to grow in a unique way as well."
  — Suzy McBride (18:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:53 | Introduction to the Rebelle Rally | | 03:13 | Suzy McBride’s background & Iridium’s tech history | | 04:59 | What the Rebelle Rally is and its challenges | | 06:14 | Locations, surprise navigation, and event logistics | | 07:04 | Why Iridium was chosen and initial involvement | | 09:10 | Training, community, and personal growth through participation | | 12:50 | Power of focus and going off-grid | | 14:12 | The comfort of always being connected via Iridium tech | | 15:31 | Anatomy of a typical Rebelle Rally day | | 17:55 | Participant backgrounds and rally community | | 19:25 | Satellite safety as a foundation for the event | | 21:01 | Final thoughts and encouragement for new participants |

Conclusion

The episode highlights the synergy between cutting-edge satellite connectivity and pioneering adventure, with Iridium’s technology turning the daring Rebelle Rally from a risky proposition into a model of safety and empowerment. Beyond a celebration of women in STEM and adventure, it’s a case study in how dependable space-based communications underpin not only critical infrastructure but unforgettable human experience.

For more on T-Minus and the intersection of space, safety, and technology, visit space.n2k.com.