GLOBALSTAR M079, GLOBALSTAR M074, GLOBALSTAR M076, GLOBALSTAR M077, GLOBALSTAR M075, and GLOBALSTAR M073 were launched from Baikonur on 2010 October 19 at 17:10 UT by a Soyuz 2-1A rocket. Each of the six communications satellites has a trapezoidal-shaped main body, and weighs approximately 700 kg. The spacecraft are equipped with 16 transponders from C- to S-band and 16 receivers from L- band to C-band. They were mounted on a specially-built satellite dispenser which released them in a choreographed sequence to avoid collision. Two of the satellites separated first and entered service approximately one month from separation. The other four deployed 96 s later and took up to four months to drift into their prescribed orbital locations.
The Globalstar constellation eventually consisted of 24 second-generation spacecraft that are expected to ensure continuity for its mobile satellite voice and data services provided to businesses, governments, and consumers. As the new Globalstar satellites enter service they will replace the existing 40 satellite constellation, which have a 7.5-year-life design. The new satellites are intended to operate for fifteen years, extending the Globalstar constellation life through at least 2025.
The satellites were developed by European company Thales Alenia Space on orders of the Globalstar corporation, and designed to provide high-quality global personal mobile communication services.
Facts in Brief
Launch Date: 2010-10-19
Launch Vehicle: Soyuz-2.1a
Launch Site: Tyuratam (Baikonur Cosmodrome), Kazakhstan