Soyuz Contacted to Launch Globalstar Satellites
Russian launch supplier Soyuz with the French has created a joint venture called Starsem. Starsem is contracted to launch the four Globalstar satellites from Baikonur in the first half of 2007. There will be an option for a second launch; contract terms were not disclosed. They will use a Eurockot to launch the replacement satellites for Globalstar’s mobile constellation. A Eurockot booster was to orbit ESA’s Cryosat ice measurement spacecraft on Oct. 8, 2005. Starsem successfully launched twenty four Globalstar satellites between February and November of 1999. The twenty four Globalstar satellites launched by Starsem made up one half of the original constellation. Starsem used six Soyuz launch vehicles to accomplish this. The other half of the constellation where launched by Delta 2 vehicles. Since the constellation was originally placed in orbit, a number of satellites have suffered on-orbit failures, however Globalstar has since changed from a 48 constellation to a 40 satellite constellation. The eight satellites which include four replacement satellites where built before Globalstar’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2002.
Globalstar has since emerged from Chapter 22 under new ownership. This new ownership is said to be setting back funds to invest in a second constellation to be placed in orbit in the future.
Globalstar has recently invested in a new ground stations in Sebring, Florida. This ground station in on-line and fully operational. The Sebring ground station has greatly improved the Globalstar coverage in the Bahamas and eastern Caribbean. Globalstar provided both voice and data coverage everywhere in the Caribbean.
Globalstar is moving forward with the construction of a new which will be located in Wasilla, Alaska. This new gateway will provide enhanced voice and data services, including e-mail, internet access and enterprise data solutions in Alaska and the Yukon where the
Globalstar coverage has been sparse in the past. The Globalstar gateway should become fully functional in mid-2006, subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval.
Globalstar starts construction on Alaska Gateway
GlobalCom is exited to announce that Globalstar began construction on a new gateway which will serve Alaska and the Yukon province.
Globalstar is the world’s most widely-used handheld satellite phone provider. The new gateway will be located in Wasilla, Alaska. This new gateway will provide enhanced voice and data services, including e-mail, internet access and enterprise data solutions in Alaska and the Yukon where the
Globalstar coverage has been sparse in the past. The Globalstar gateway should become fully functional in mid-2006, subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval.
Once fully functional this will be the first
satellite phone service provided specifically for Alaskans – the first truly mobile satellite services gateway in Alaska, the first satellite phone using a 907 area code, and the first satellite phone service that is affordable to the average Alaskan. The handset will retail at half the cost of competing hand held units. The satellite phone service will also be substantially lower than competing services.
The Wasilla gateway will allow Alaskans access to reliable voice, e-mail, and internet access as well as Globalstar Quick locate service which will track and monitor mobile assets such as marine vessels, shipping containers, vehicles and other high value assets.
GlobalCom provides customers in Alaska as well as everywhere in the U.S. the choice of a hand held satellite currently for $645.00 after instant $104.00 rebate or fixed units that can be used in a building such as offices, lodges, and residences for as little as $599.00 after instant rebate. The Globalstar service is very affordable and reliable for users throughout the state of Alaska. Home calling plans for the state of Alaska start as low as $50.00 a month or high volume users can take advantage of larger package plans which provide calls as low as 14 cents per minute.
This new Wasilla commercial satellite gateway will add high tech jobs to the area and will help provide reliable communications for all of the state of Alaska. Globalstar believes their service will provide a key roll in building the future of Alaska. In many areas of Alaska reliable wireline and wireless communications are impractical or impossible to put in place. Alaska is a high growth region which includes commercial fishing, forestry, mining, as well as oil and gas industries which demands reliable communication.
This new Wasilla gateway will greatly improve coverage along North Pacific fishing grounds which includes Dutch Harbor. This will allow cost effective shipboard satellite phone service as well as extend the range vessels can be monitored.
GlobalCom is the largest authorized agent for Globalstar providing voice and data services where communications where once not available. GlobalCom offers a wide range of
Globalstar products including mobile and fixed satellite units, duplex and simplex modems.
