Globalstar's Six 2nd-Gen Satellites Are Readied for Soyuz Launch

(September 7, 2010) -- The launch campaign for Arianespace's upcoming Soyuz mission for Globalstar has entered a new phase as all six spacecraft are now at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The mission's three remaining satellites were delivered last week - joining the initial three that have been at the Cosmodrome since August 11 for their final checkout, and fueling.

One of the spacecraft has already completed these steps, and is now integrated on the conical-shaped dispenser that will carry the six-satellite cluster for deployment in a 920-km. circular orbit, inclined 52 deg.

Scheduled for a liftoff on October 19, this milestone mission will use a Soyuz 2 version of Russia's workhorse launcher. Arianespace has been contracted - via its Starsem affiliate - to conduct four Soyuz 2 launches carrying six satellites each, further building Globalstar's constellation with these 24 second-generation spacecraft.

Source : Arianespace