"The Delta II has delivered many firsts and the inaugural launch for Globalstar is another important milestone in the vehicle's history," said Darryl Van Dorn, Boeing director of NASA and Commercial Delta Programs. "The success of the first launch can be attributed to the outstanding team effort with Globalstar and Space Systems/Loral."

"This is an important milestone for Globalstar," said Bernard Schwartz, chairman and chief executive officer of Globalstar and chief executive officer of Loral Space and Communications. "It represents a quantum step towards the commencement of service for this leading-edge satellite-based mobile telephone system. The successful launch reinforces our confidence in achieving the scheduled deployment of Globalstar's commercial service in the first quarter of 1999."

To fulfill Globalstar's launch needs, the Delta II team created a vehicle configuration using four solid rocket motors and a unique satellite dispenser capable of delivering four satellites. The second launch for Globalstar, also by a Delta II 7420, is scheduled for April of 1998. Globalstar is a partnership of 10 international telecommunications and aerospace companies. Loral Space and Communications is Globalstar's largest equity owner, managing and holding a 39 percent equity interest. Globalstar's service partners include Air Touch Communications, Dacom, Elsag Bailey, France Telecom, Alcatel, Loral Space and Communications, and Vodafone.

Globalstar's manufacturing partners, Space Systems/Loral, Hyundai, Daimler Benz Aerospace, Alcatel, Alenia, and QUALCOM incorporated, play a major role in the design development, launch and operations of the Globalstar network.