Four satellites built for Globalstar by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) were launched May 29 on a Soyuz launch vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The satellites will provide mobile satellite voice and data services. The satellites were completed as ground spares in 2002 and placed in storage at SS/L's flight storage facility. In early 2006, the satellites were removed for post-storage testing in preparation for flight. A total of eight ground spares are planned for launch this year to augment the existing first-generation Globalstar constellation of 40 low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites. The Globalstar constellation has provided worldwide telephone and data service, especially for remote areas beyond cellular and landline service, since 1999.

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SS/L designed autonomy features into the Globalstar LEO satellites that simplify ground monitoring and ongoing operation of these satellites. With onboard orbit determination, the satellites eliminate the need for ground operations to perform extensive measurements to determine their exact position in space.

For more information, visit www.loral.com.