A Boeing Delta II

successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla., today delivered

the first four satellites of the Globalstar network at 9:34 EST. Space Systems/Loral, a division of Loral Space & Communications built the

Globalstar satellites. When completed, the satellite constellation will

consist of 48 satellites orbiting at 756 nautical miles (1400 km) above the

Earth.

"The Delta II has delivered many firsts and the inaugural launch for

Globalstar is another important milestone in the vehicle's history," said

Darryl Van Dorn, Boeing director of NASA and Commercial Delta Programs.

"The success of the first launch can be attributed to the outstanding team

effort with Globalstar and Space Systems/Loral."

"This is an important milestone for Globalstar," said Bernard Schwartz,

chairman and chief executive officer of Globalstar and chief executive

officer of Loral Space and Communications. "It represents a quantum step

towards the commencement of service for this leading-edge satellite-based

mobile telephone system. The successful launch reinforces our confidence

in achieving the scheduled deployment of Globalstar's commercial service in

the first quarter of 1999."

To fulfill Globalstar's launch needs, the Delta II team created a vehicle

configuration using four solid rocket motors and a unique satellite dispenser

capable of delivering four satellites. The second launch for Globalstar,

also by a Delta II 7420, is scheduled for April of 1998.

Globalstar is a partnership of 10 international telecommunications and

aerospace companies. Loral Space and Communications is Globalstar's largest

equity owner, managing and holding a 39 percent equity interest.

Globalstar's service partners include Air Touch Communications, Dacom, Elsag

Bailey, France Telecom, Alcatel, Loral Space and Communications, and Vodafone.

Globalstar's manufacturing partners, Space Systems/Loral, Hyundai, Daimler

Benz Aerospace, Alcatel, Alenia, and QUALCOM incorporated, play a major role

in the design development, launch and operations of the Globalstar network.