6*Globalstar Satellites (Soyuz-2-1A launched on Oct.19,2010)

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EarthlingX

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www.spaceflightnow.com : Six improved Globalstar craft orbited by Soyuz rocket
BY STEPHEN CLARK

Posted: October 19, 2010

Globalstar's fleet of orbiting communications satellites received reinforcements Tuesday, when a commercial Soyuz rocket launched from Kazakhstan and deployed six advanced spacecraft to restore the company's diminished two-way voice and data services.

liftoff.jpg

A Soyuz rocket lifts off with six Globalstar communications satellites.

Built by Thales Alenia Space, the satellites are also the cornerstone of a rejuvenated Globalstar constellation. Three more Soyuz launches are planned through the summer of 2011, bringing the company's fleet of second-generation satellites to 24 platforms.

Globalstar officials say the transition to the new satellite fleet will be seamless for the company's 400,000 subscribers, except for a marked improvement in mobile two-way communications service.
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Zipi

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Unofficial Youtube Launch Video:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1iy1U4CRJg[/youtube]
 
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EarthlingX

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www.arianespace.com : Soyuz delivers: Six satellites are orbited for Globalstar's second-generation constellation
October 20, 2010 – Soyuz Flight ST22


The medium-lift Soyuz vehicle begins its ascent from Launch Pad #6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The initial cluster of six Globalstar second-generation satellites was successfully orbited today on an Arianespace Soyuz mission, which was conducted by its Starsem affiliate from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

This flight delivered the six trapezoidal-shaped spacecraft into a circular phasing orbit, utilizing the improved Soyuz version that will be introduced by Arianespace at the Spaceport in French Guiana next year.

Today’s mission is the first of four Soyuz launches booked with Arianespace to deploy a total of 24 second-generation satellites, which will support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services. Once the next-generation Globalstar ground network is installed, the advanced constellation also will provide customers with enhanced future services that feature increased data speeds of 256 kbps. in a flexible Internet protocol multimedia subsystem configuration.

The Globalstar satellites lofted by Soyuz were installed on a purpose-built dispenser system that carried two spacecraft mounted on its upper section and four on the lower portion.

Lifting off from Baikonur Cosmodrome’s Launch Pad #6 at 11:10 p.m. local time on October 19, the spacecraft were deployed during a two-step process – with separation occurring at 1 hr. 38 min. and 1 hr. 40 min. into the mission. This followed the powered flight of Soyuz’ three main stages lasting 8 min. 49 sec., and two burns of the Fregat upper stage – which were separated by a coast phase of approximately 50 min.

“We are proud to know that today’s six satellites will become the cornerstone of the Globalstar second generation constellation, and we look forward to our continued participation in the Globalstar success,” said Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall.

He noted that Globalstar was the first customer for the Starsem affiliate, which successfully orbited 24 first-generation spacecraft between February and November 1999 using six Soyuz launchers. In follow-on Soyuz missions performed by Starsem in May and October 2007, eight replacement spacecraft were orbited to join the Globalstar constellation.

“Today, we are very happy to have successfully launched the ninth Globalstar Soyuz, and we are ready to get right to work for the tenth launch,” Le Gall added.

The six Globalstar satellites orbited today weighed approximately 700 kg. each, and carry 16 transponders from C-to S-band, and 16 receivers from L- to C-band.
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EarthlingX

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www.federalspace.ru : More Details of Yesterday's Launch
:: 20.10.2010

Director General of TsSKB-Progress Rocket Center (Samara) Alexander Kirilin commented yesterday’s launch of 6 Globalstar satellites by Soyuz rocket (Oct. 19, 21.10.59 MSK) for Roscosmos web:
- Soyuz-2.1а launcher presents the first modification of the Soyuz-2 rocket. It is equipped with principally new control system with up-to-date EEE-parts. The system is single for all three stages. In addition, the launcher is featured by digital RF TM-system, upgraded boosters of stages 1 and 2. As a result, Soyuz-2.1а has lifting capacity 300 kg more than Soyuz-U.
This was the 5th launch of Soyuz-2.1а.

Roscosmos PAO


www.federalspace.ru : Soyuz-2.1A / 6 Globalstar-2 Launch (photos)
:: 20.10.2010

Photo credit: S.Sergeev (Yuzhny Space Center)
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EarthlingX

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http://www.satellitetoday.com : Globalstar Launches First Constellation Satellites; Receives FCC Authority to Operate Ground Stations
October 20, 2010

by Jeffrey Hill

An Arianespace Soyuz 2-1A rocket launched the first six of Globalstar’s 24-satellite second-generation constellation from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the operator announced Oct. 19.

The launch, conducted by Arianespace’s Starsem affiliate, will deliver the six spacecraft into a circular phasing orbit. The new satellites, manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, carry 16 transponders from C- to S-band and 16 receivers from L- to C-band to support Globalstar voice and data services.

The launch took place hours after the mobile satellite voice and data services provider received U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval to temporarily operate the constellation’s satellite gateway ground stations in Sebring, Fla., and Clifton, Texas. The FCC also approved Globalstar’s authority to operate in-orbit test-equipment upgrades at the Clifton gateway.

The ground network to support the constellation will be installed by 2012.
 
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