Alcatel Alenia Space will begin studying the design of Globalstar’s next-generation satellite constellation, Globalstar announced April 4.

Under the agreement, Alcatel Alenia Space will perform an analysis of future requirements and propose a conceptual design for a next generation low-Earth orbiting constellation for Globalstar. Alcatel Alenia Space supplied the satellite payloads, structures, heat control elements and part of the gateways, as well as satellite integration, for Globalstar’s current constellation,

The new satellites will work in conjunction with Globalstar’s planned ancillary terrestrial component system. Globalstar received authority in January from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to offer services in the United States using the system of terrestrial repeaters designed to provide integrated mobile voice and data solutions that will work in urban areas and indoors.