Globalstar said Dec. 7 it received approval from the U.S. State Department to proceed with plans to launch up to eight spare satellites, with the first launch expected to occur in early 2007. Globalstar has signed a contract with Starsem, provider of the Soyuz launch vehicle, to conduct at least one launch, with an option for an additional mission. Globalstar also signed a contract with Eurockot, provider of the Rockot launch vehicle. Details of the contract with Eurockot were not disclosed.