Thales2011-07-13 09:30:00
Successful launch for six new second-generation Globalstar satellites
13 July 2011
Cannes, July 13, 2011 - The second batch of six satellites of the Globalstar second-generation constellation, developed by Thales Alenia Space, were successfully launched today (8:27 local time - 4:27 Paris time) by Arianespace and Starsem on a Soyuz launcher from Baikonour.
Globalstar, Inc. contracted with Thales Alenia Space for the design and delivery of second-generation constellation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that will provide mobile phone and data satellite services. The other satellites in the constellation are now under construction at various Thales Alenia Space facilities in France and Italy. The payloads are built in Toulouse; the thermal subsystems and structures in Cannes; part of the side panels in Turin; several electronics payload units are being developed and manufactured in L'Aquila. Several microwave passive devices are also manufactured in Madrid and the L-band antennas are produced in Rome (together with the satellites integration and test) and the onboard computer (OBPE). Part of the GPS receiver is produced in Milan. Thales Alenia Space is also responsible for launch support services.
The new constellation will ensure continuation of Globalstar's coverage beyond 2025, and will provide a platform for expanded service and innovative solutions.
Each second-generation Globalstar satellite will weigh about 650 kg (launch mass) and offer end-of-life power of 1.7 kW. The satellites are fitted with 16 transponders from C- to S-band, and 16 receivers from L- to C-band. Beginning in October 2010, the satellites will be launched in batches of six at a time. They have a design life of 15 years.
Thales Alenia Space played a major role in Globalstar's first-generation program as supplier of the satellite payloads, structures, propulsion and thermal subsystems and several electronics units, as well as systems integration of the entire constellation, including an additional eight satellites launched in mid-2007.
Thales Alenia Space's long-term partnership with Globalstar, Inc. along with other major contracts signed in this area, clearly demonstrate the company's leadership in constellations, based on proven expertise in system design and telecommunications technologies in general.
13 July 2011
Cannes, July 13, 2011 - The second batch of six satellites of the Globalstar second-generation constellation, developed by Thales Alenia Space, were successfully launched today (8:27 local time - 4:27 Paris time) by Arianespace and Starsem on a Soyuz launcher from Baikonour.
Globalstar, Inc. contracted with Thales Alenia Space for the design and delivery of second-generation constellation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that will provide mobile phone and data satellite services. The other satellites in the constellation are now under construction at various Thales Alenia Space facilities in France and Italy. The payloads are built in Toulouse; the thermal subsystems and structures in Cannes; part of the side panels in Turin; several electronics payload units are being developed and manufactured in L'Aquila. Several microwave passive devices are also manufactured in Madrid and the L-band antennas are produced in Rome (together with the satellites integration and test) and the onboard computer (OBPE). Part of the GPS receiver is produced in Milan. Thales Alenia Space is also responsible for launch support services.
The new constellation will ensure continuation of Globalstar's coverage beyond 2025, and will provide a platform for expanded service and innovative solutions.
Each second-generation Globalstar satellite will weigh about 650 kg (launch mass) and offer end-of-life power of 1.7 kW. The satellites are fitted with 16 transponders from C- to S-band, and 16 receivers from L- to C-band. Beginning in October 2010, the satellites will be launched in batches of six at a time. They have a design life of 15 years.
Thales Alenia Space played a major role in Globalstar's first-generation program as supplier of the satellite payloads, structures, propulsion and thermal subsystems and several electronics units, as well as systems integration of the entire constellation, including an additional eight satellites launched in mid-2007.
Thales Alenia Space's long-term partnership with Globalstar, Inc. along with other major contracts signed in this area, clearly demonstrate the company's leadership in constellations, based on proven expertise in system design and telecommunications technologies in general.
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