Globalstar Also Confirms Agreements With Two Launch Service Providers
Globalstar, the world’s most widely used handheld satellite phone provider and a leading supplier of high-value satellite voice and data services to business, confirmed today that it has received US State Department approval to proceed with its plans to procure launch services for up to eight spare satellites with launches scheduled to begin in early 2007.
Globalstar also confirmed that it has executed a contract with Starsem, provider of the Soyuz launch vehicle. The Globalstar agreement with Starsem confirms that the provider will conduct at least one launch of Globalstar spare satellites with an option for one additional launch. Starsem has successfully conducted six previous Globalstar launches using the reliable Soyuz launch vehicle. Like the previous launches, the Globalstar spare satellites will be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Globalstar has also signed a contract with Eurockot, provider of the Rockot launch vehicle. The Rockot vehicle launches from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, located in Northern Russia.
Satellites launched by the Soyuz will be placed into an interim phasing orbit at an altitude of 920 km to be available for replenishment throughout the satellite constellation. Individual satellites launched by Rockot may be placed almost directly into the operational altitude of 1414 km.
“Satellite launches are a complex and lengthy undertaking. The government approvals and the early signing of our vendors means that we can remain on track to launch Globalstar’s eight spare satellites in the first half of 2007 — as planned.” said Jay Monroe, chairman and CEO of Globalstar LLC. “We are also pleased to renew our relationship with Starsem, who launched 24 of the existing satellites in the Globalstar constellation.”
The Globalstar constellation continues to function as designed, delivering industry-leading voice quality and data throughput. The availability of orbital spares will ensure that all parts of the Globalstar network remain robust and reliable as demand for Globalstar’s satellite voice and data services continues to grow.
These agreements add to the growing list of announcements made by Globalstar in 2005. In addition to a variety of new products and services launched in the past 10 months, Globalstar also continues to take steps to enhance its ground and space based operations and network. Earlier this year, Globalstar opened a new gateway ground station in Sebring, Florida, to enhance voice and data services in the Caribbean, and the company began construction of a new Satellite Gateway in Wasilla, Alaska scheduled to open in spring 2006. Globalstar has also announced the purchase of several simplex data gateway appliques as well as a new $140 million agreement with QUALCOMM to ensure the manufacture and supply of satellite voice and data handsets.
About Starsem
Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world’s most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center. The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Globalstar LLC. (www.starsem.com)
About Eurockot
Eurockot Launch Services GmbH is the joint venture of EADS SPACE Transportation (51%) and Khrunichev Space Centre (49%) and performs launch services for operators of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites using the flight-proven Rockot launch vehicle. In 2006 and 2007 three ESA missions, namely GOCE, SMOS and Proba-2 will be performed. (www.eurockot.com)
About Globalstar
Globalstar offers high value, quality satellite voice and data services to commercial and recreational users from virtually anywhere in more than 120 countries. The company’s voice and data products include mobile and fixed satellite units, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include; oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar service is available for as little as US$ 0.14 per minute in the United States.
For more information, visit Globalstar’s web site at www.globalstar.com
For media information, please contact:
Dean Hirasawa
Globalstar
Dean.hirasawa@globalstar.com
905.712.6654