Globalstar Announces
Successful Launch of Spare Satellite
June 19, 2022
Globalstar, Inc. announced the
successful launch of the FM-15 spare satellite from
Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center. FM-15 is the
25th and final satellite of Globalstar’s
second-generation constellation, which was
manufactured and stored by Thales Alenia Space. The
satellite is expected to remain as an in-orbit spare
and will only be raised to its operational orbit at
a future date, if needed.
Launch services provider SpaceX
confirmed that the upper stage of the Falcon 9
rocket accurately injected the satellite into its
targeted low earth orbit. Globalstar has begun
initial in-orbit testing and the satellite is
operating nominally at this time.
“We are pleased to achieve
launch success together with SpaceX and would like
to extend a profound thank you to the team at Thales
Alenia Space for successfully manufacturing, storing
and then readying the satellite for launch,” said
David Kagan, CEO. “This latest satellite, which will
serve as an in-orbit spare, plays a crucial role in
our continued growth plans prior to the launch of
additional satellites procured from MDA and Rocket
Lab which are expected to launch in 2025.”
The satellite addition is
designed to further support Globalstar’s data
products and services including its legacy Duplex,
SPOT retail consumer and Commercial IoT. The launch
further solidifies Globalstar’s commitment to
deliver uninterrupted connectivity to users
worldwide.
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