Paris, April 4, 2006 – Globalstar has awarded Alcatel Alenia Space a study contract for the design of a new satellite constellation aiming at replacing Globalstar’s first generation satellites.
In the frame of this study, Alcatel Alenia Space, which has started to analyze Globalstar’s requirements, will investigate to submit a new constellation architecture based on low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites with an extended life span.
“Globalstar is pleased by Alcatel’s strong commitment to our rapidly growing business”, said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar, Inc. Mr. Monroe went on to add, “Alcatel Alenia Space is uniquely positioned to provide Globalstar with a cost effective solution for a second generation LEO satellite system. Alcatel’s demonstrated satellite and network telecommunications capabilities combine to offer Globalstar a highly competitive solution for meeting our future service needs.”
Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Alcatel Alenia Space says : “Alcatel has been partnering with Globalstar from the very early days. Having been selected by shows the continued confidence and trust that Globalstar has in our company. We are committed to offer the most comprehensive, advanced and efficient satellite solutions to enhance Globalstar customer service.”
Pascale Sourisse adds: “Alcatel’s expertise in Space and Telecom gives us a unique opportunity to participate in Globalstar’s future Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) service for their next generation integrated satellite and terrestrial network.”
The current Globalstar LEO constellation provides telecommunication coverage to over 120 countries around the world. The satellites relative proximity enable voice and data signals to travel quickly, resulting in crisp, clear, reliable communications, without any voice delays.
Alcatel Alenia Space participated in the design of the complete first generation system and was responsible for the supply of satellite payloads, structures, heat control elements and part of the gateways as well as satellite integration.
About Globalstar
With over 200,000 activated satellite voice and data units, Globalstar offers high value, high quality satellite 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 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. For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit Globalstar’s web site at www.globalstar.com
About Alcatel Alenia Space
Alcatel Alenia Space is the European leader in satellite systems, at the forefront of orbit infrastructures. Created in July 2005, the company brings together the vast experience and know-how of Alcatel Space and Alenia Spazio to form a new leading force in European space technology. Alcatel Alenia Space represents a worldwide standard for space development that impacts everybody’s future: from navigation to telecommunications, from meteorology to environmental monitoring, from defence to science and observation. Alcatel Alenia Space is an Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) (67%) and Finmeccanica (Milan:SIFI.MI, FNC.IM) (33%) company.
About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 13.1 billion and 58,000 employees in 2005, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
Contact press@alcatel.com
