Globalstar Inc. has chosen Arianespace to launch all 24 satellites in its second-generation constellation.
Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar Inc., today announced the signing of a firm Service & Solutions contract for four launches, along with an option on four additional launches.
The first of the four firm launches is planned for the summer of 2009 by a Soyuz launcher operating from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The Soyuz will inject six Globalstar satellites into circular orbit at an altitude of 920 kilometers, inclined at 52 degrees.
The Globalstar second generation constellation is designed to provide Globalstar customers with worldwide long-term satellite voice and data services.
Built by Thales Alenia Space, each Globalstar 2nd generation satellite will weigh about 700 kg at launch.
From February to November 1999, Arianespace subsidiary Starsem orbited 24 satellites in Globalstar’s current constellation and on May 30, 2007, Starsem successfully launched four replacement satellites. A second launch of four satellites is planned later this year.
About Arianespace Arianespace is the world’s leading launch Service & Solutions company, delivering innovative services and solutions to its customers for more than 25 years. Backed by 23 shareholders, and by the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled launcher family, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for their culture of excellence. Arianespace has launched 248 satellites since being founded, including more than 60% of the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a steady backlog of about 42 satellites to be launched, equal to more than three years of operations.
About Globalstar, Inc.
With over 275,000 activated satellite voice and data units, Globalstar offers satellite services to commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The company’s voice and data products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many land based and maritime 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, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications. www.globalstar.com
