Globalstar has taken delivery of six new second-generation satellites at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Technicians from launch services provider Arianespace and satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space have begun the pre-launch testing and integration process in preparation for a scheduled liftoff in May.
Globalstar expects to conduct two additional launches of six satellites per launch, also from Baikonur, with all three remaining launches utilizing the highly reliable Soyuz launch vehicle. In October Globalstar successfully launched six new second-generation satellites also using the Soyuz.
Earlier this year Globalstar officials authorized acceptance of the new satellites at the Thales Alenia Space satellite manufacturing facility in Rome. Globalstar signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space in late 2006 for the design, manufacture and delivery of its second-generation constellation satellites.
In 2007 Globalstar contracted with Arianespace for a total of four launches of six satellites each using the Soyuz.
Globalstar plans to integrate the 24 new second-generation satellites with the eight first-generation satellites that were launched in 2007, to form a 32 satellite constellation.
The new satellites are designed to support Globalstar's current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services including the Company's lineup of SPOT retail consumer products.
Share This Article With Planet Earth
