Program: Globalstar
Globalstar
is a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite-based telecommunications system founded by
Loral Corp. and Qualcomm Inc. that will offer low-cost, high-quality global
telephony and other digital telecommunications services to areas currently
underserved or not served by existing wireline and cellular telecommunications
systems. Operated by Loral Qualcomm Satellite Services Inc.
The satellites were launched into 8 orbital planes, with 6 satellites in each
plane to provide continuous global coverage.
Status: officially started operations on 11 Oct 1999
Total system cost: $4 billion
In Jan 2001 Loral announced that it would stop funding Globalstar. FCC granted
a new licence in July 2001 for a 3.5 MHz segment in both 1.990-2.025 and
2.165-2.200 GHz bands.
In Feb 2002, the company filed for Chapter 11 protection for reorganisation.
The reorganisation calls for the creation of a new company that would hold all
existing assets and would buy equity stakes in 3 of its service providers:
Globalstar USA, Globalstar Caribbean and Globalstar Canada. The new company
would be owned by Globalstar LP's existing bondholders.
In April 2002 it was announced that since Feb 2001, 7 satellites had anomalies
and were taken out of service. Two of those were declared failed and replaced
by on orbit spares. Therefore the constellation is running with 47 satellites
plus one on-orbit spare. There service availability was 97.92%. Therefore more
satellites need to be launched to enhance the availability.
In Jul 2002 Globalstar ordered the second constellation from SS/L (design and
future construction). This constellation will operate in the 2 GHz band, have
56 LEO satellite and 5 GEO satellites. Launch should begin in 2006. That
constellation would cost upto $4 billion.
In Apr 2003 ICO via a new company to be created would get control of the
company in exchange of a $55 million investment (54% equity of the new
company). That plan failled in Nov 2003.
In Nov 2003, Thermo Capital Partners have received approval to acquire a
majority interest in the company (81.25%). This cancels the agreement with ICO.
The acquisition was finalized on Dec 2003.
In Apr 2005 Globalstar requested authorization to build an unlimited number of
ATC base stations transmitting in 2.4875-2.493 GHz and receiving in
1.610-1.6155 GHz.
In Oct 2006, Globalstar authorized Alcatel Alenia Space to start working on the
second generation satellites. 48 satellites are planned.
In Dec 2006, the contract for the second generation satellites was signed with
Alcatel Alenia Space for EUR 661 million. They will design, build and deliver
in-orbit 24 satellites. First launch in late 2009.
Specifications
In Feb 2007, Globalstar states that S-band amplifiers are degrading at an
alarming rate. The satellite fleet had to be reconfigured to use satellites in
good health in key orbits. More spare satellites are to be launched in 2007
(heaviers ones, 700 kg compared to 450 kg for the first series) and the second
generation is being speed up.
In Jun 2009, the financing for the second generation was secured (approx $738
million).
In Sep 2012, 6 additional satellites were ordered from Thales Alenia Space,
identical to those ordered in 2009.
In Mar 2023 the company announced the purchase of 17 new satellites from MDA
for $327 million to replenish the constellation and provide services to a
potential new customer. Option for 9 additional satellites. The 17 satellites
are to be delivered in 2025 for a launch by the end of the same year. Launch
mass 500 kg.
Orbit
type
|
LEO
|
Orbit
range
|
1414
km, circular
|
Nb
of satellites
|
48
+ 8 backup
|
Nb
of planes
|
8
|
Inclination
|
52°
|
Nb
beams per satellite
|
16
|
Coverage
|
5796
km²
|
Modulation
|
CDMA
|
Mobile
frequencies
|
Uplink:
2483.5 - 2500 MHz
Downlink: 1610-1626.5 MHz
|
Fixed
frequencies
|
Uplink:
5091 - 5250 GHz
Downlink: 6875 - 7055 GHz
|
Satellite
mass
|
425
kg
|
Coverage
|
all
longitudes, 74N - 74S latitudes
|