Final launcher integration is now underway for next week's Soyuz 2 mission, which will orbit six Globalstar second-generation satellites from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The launcher's upper composite - which is composed of the six Globalstar spacecraft and their dispenser system, along with the ST payload fairing that protects the satellites during ascent and the Fregat upper stage - has been mated to the Soyuz 2's Block I third stage.

This activity occurred in the Cosmodrome's Soyuz vehicle assembly building, known as MIK 40, where the upper composite was transferred during the night of October 12-13. It clears the way for final integration to complete the four-stage launcher.

The October 19 mission will be performed on behalf of Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, and is the first of four flights to orbit 24 of Globalstar's second-generation spacecraft - ensuring continuity for the company's mobile satellite voice and data services that are provided to businesses, governments and consumers.

Each of the six Thales Alenia Space-built satellites to be deployed during the 1-hr., 40-min. flight weigh approximately 700 kg., and are equipped with 16 transponders from C- to S-band, along with 16 receivers from L- to C-band.

Soyuz 2 is the evolved version of Russia's venerable medium-lift workhorse launcher, which incorporates the enlarged ST payload fairing and an updated digital flight control system.

Arianespace will utilize Soyuz 2 at the Spaceport in French Guiana beginning next year, operating side-by-side with its heavyweight Ariane 5 vehicle and the future Vega lightweight launcher.