[Satellite TODAY 12-30-11] Arianespace launched six new second-generation Globalstar satellites on its new Soyuz 2-1a rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Arianespace confirmed Dec. 28 that the Soyuz’s upper stage accurately injected the six second-generation satellites into the targeted low earth orbit of approximately 920 kilometers. 

   Globalstar President of Global Operations Tony Navarra said that all six satellites were successfully acquired following separation of the Soyuz Fregat Upper Stage and that Globalstar has initiated satellite in-orbit testing.

   “It’s amazing that we can find six satellites within 30 minutes after being placed in space … We are now only one launch away from completing our four second-generation satellite launches and we look forward to the future services our new constellation will support. With these six new satellites now safely in orbit, we once again congratulate and applaud all of our Globalstar employees worldwide and thank launch provider Arianespace as well as our satellite contractor Thales Alenia Space for this launch success,” Navarra said in a statement.
   The launch was the third of four missions scheduled to expand Globalstar’s satellite network with new spacecraft after successful flights in October 2010 and July 2011. The operator will launch six more satellites on another Soyuz rocket in 2012.

   Globalstar contracted satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space in 2006 to design, manufacture and deliver its second-generation constellation satellites. Thales designed the constellation to support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services including its lineup of Spot retail consumer products.

   The new satellites also aim to replace Globalstar’s existing constellation, which is mostly comprised of spacecraft launched between 1998 and 2000. The previous constellation was built by Space Systems/Loral and designed for a seven-and-a-half year orbital life.