How can I get the status of satellites, i.e. living or dead while flying in the air

I am only planning to create a small Android application that checks the status of a satellite, i.e. dead or alive.

In the cockpit, the crew member can use the Internet from mulitple wireless hotspots that are connected to a satellite modem . The satellite modem is connected to the Radome , which receives signals from the satellite. Suppose he is using Iridium satellite internet services.

how my app will communicate with the satellite to get its status. Will it communicate via router or satellite modem to get status.

Thank,