Photo: Globalstar

Globalstar has signed a second launch deal with SpaceX, which will launch part of its constellation upgrade on a Falcon 9 mission. The mission will launch nine satellites and is targeted for 2026.

Globalstar previously purchased a SpaceX launch in 2023 for the satellite upgrade, targeted for 2025. That mission will launch eight satellites. 

The operator said in a July 7 announcement that the second launch is expected to take place next year, after the initial launch in 2025. 

These two SpaceX launches will launch 17 new Globalstar satellites that MDA Space is building for the operator, which were ordered in 2022. Rocket Lab is providing the satellite buses. The FCC approved Globalstar’s constellation refresh last year. 

“The launch services agreement with SpaceX represents another important milestone as we continue to execute on our construction and launch plan. These satellites, constructed by our partners at MDA and Rocket Lab, will enhance our ability to provide the highest quality satellite services to our customers over the long-term,” Globalstar CEO Paul Jacobs commented. 

These satellites will support Apple’s satellite messaging service, which Globalstar has enabled since 2022. Apple is paying for 95% of the upgraded network expenses including satellites and launch costs, and Globalstar has agreed to reserve 85% of its current and future network capacity to support the services.

While these satellites will refresh Globalstar’s current constellation, the operator has also ordered a next-generation constellation called C-3, with MDA Space as the prime contractor. Apple is also investing in the C-3 constellation, which will support advanced commercial/enterprise IoT and consumer-based MSS offerings.