[Satellite TODAY 02-11-11] Globalstar will launch its next six satellites in May, along with two additional launches carrying six satellites apiece between August and September, the mobile operator announced Feb. 10.
    Arianespace, which is under contract to launch 24 of Globalstar’s second-generation satellites, will launch all three of the missions on its Soyuz launch vehicle  from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Globalstar saw six of its second-generation satellites launched on the Soyuz in October.
    Globalstar will integrate the 24 Arianespace-launched satellites with the eight first-generation satellites that were launched in 2007. The new satellites are designed to support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, duplex and simplex data products and services, including the company’s lineup of Spot retail consumer products.
   “We continue to validate our on-orbit acceptance tests and operating procedures for each of the new spacecraft [launched in October]. Our six-month validation period is being used to confirm our satellite design and performance. Once complete, and barring any unforeseen issues, we will be able to confirm a more specific scheduled launch date,” Globalstar President of Global Operations Tony Navarra said in a statement.