Globalstar has announced plans to launch six new second-generation satellites on Christmas Day, December 25th.
Globalstar says it made the decision after consulting with satellite
manufacturer Thales Alenia Space, and has been informed by launch
services provider Arianespace and their Roscosmos team partners that the
launch is now confirmed.
"We are very pleased to announce that we are proceeding with our launch
plans for a December 25th launch date," said Jay Monroe, chairman and
CEO of Globalstar, Inc.
"Once successfully completed, we will be only one launch away from
completing our four second-generation satellite launches and restoring
the industry's highest quality satellite service."
This will be the third launch of Globalstar's second-generation
constellation satellites, with Globalstar also noting that it expects to
complete the fourth launch in the first half of 2012.
The company initially launched six new satellites in October of 2010 and
six additional satellites were launched in July of this year.
In order to reduce the risk of any possible momentum wheel issues, and
based on a recommendation from Thales Alenia Space, one satellite
originally scheduled for the third launch is being replaced by another
spacecraft already at the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch site.
Additionally, Globalstar says that the third satellite from the second
launch in July is now operational. The remaining three satellites from
the July launch are expected to be placed into service over the coming
few months.
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