The next cluster of second-generation Globalstar satellites to be orbited by Arianespace is ready for launch on a Russian Soyuz vehicle that will lift off next week from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The six Globalstar communications satellites that will ride aboard the Soyuz rocket have been placed in their protective payload fairing. The satellites and fairing are now ready for transfer to the MIK launcher integration building, where they will be installed on the three-stage Soyuz.
The Dec. 28 launch will be conducted by Starsem on Arianespace’s behalf, and is the third of four missions contracted by Globalstar to orbit 24 of its second-generation spacecraft for the company’s mobile satellite voice and data services.
The new Globalstar satellites weigh approximately 1,543 pounds each at liftoff. The satellites are built by Thales Alenia Space.
Once the constellation of second-generation satellites is fully deployed, it will support services for commercial and government customers in more than 120 countries.
This upcoming launch will use the same basic version of the Russian-built launcher that Arianespace has introduced at the spaceport in French Guiana.
The previous two Baikonur Cosmodrome missions with Globalstar’s second-generation satellites were performed in July of this year and in October 2010.
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