Globalstar is adjusting its launch schedule to take full advantage of an additional launch slot recently made available by Boeing for launch of a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Station in mid-July without affecting its planned initiation of service.
"This acceleration of a previously procured Boeing Delta II launch from early November to mid-July strengthens our deployment plans in several ways," said Bernard L. Schwartz, chairman and chief executive officer of Globalstar. By launching the four Globalstar satellites to a higher altitude, the Delta II rocket offers the advantage of reducing the time required for orbit raising. It, therefore, will allow earlier availability of the satellites for system tests.
The Soyuz launch originally scheduled for May will take place in November, maintaining the previous schedule and resulting in at least 32 satellites in orbit ready to support the start of commercial service during the third quarter of 1999. The company has already successfully launched a total of 20 satellites on five launch vehicles, two Delta II and three Soyuz rockets.
Globalstar plans to launch an additional 32 satellites this year on eight rockets. The current schedule, below, will complete the
full constellation by year end:
June Delta Sept. Soyuz
July Delta Oct. Soyuz
July Delta Nov. Soyuz
Aug. Delta Dec. Delta
