Globalstar, Inc. reports that there will an additional delay in the launch of six new Globalstar satellites. The launch of the second-generation satellites was originally targeted for July 11, 2011 at 8:59 a.m. Baikonur local time and was rescheduled for July 12, 2011 at 8:43 a.m. Baikonur local time, following the countdown’s interruption prior to liftoff of the Soyuz launch vehicle.
Launch services provider Arianespace announced that the launch was initially postponed due to a malfunction of equipment on the Soyuz launch pad and a further delay has been initiated to verify proper operation of the ground support equipment.
There was no malfunction with the Globalstar satellites, Fregat upper stage or the Soyuz launch vehicle.
A new launch schedule has not been established however Globalstar and Arianespace expect to release further information and a new launch schedule shortly.
Russia postpones launch of Soyuz spacecraft with U.S. satellitesMoscow (RIA Novosti) Jul 12, 2011 –
The launch of Russia’s Soyuz-2.1a space carrier with six U.S. Globalstar-2 communications satellites, has been postponed due to technical reasons, a spokesman for the Russian Space Agency said.
The spacecraft equipped with a Fregat booster was scheduled to blast off on July 11 at 6:58 Moscow time (2:58 GMT) from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan.
“We have postponed the launch till the reserve date on July 12. The reasons for the postponement will be announced later,” the spokesman said.
Globalstar is a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite-based telecommunications system founded by U.S.-based Loral Corporation and Qualcomm Inc. It provides high-quality satellite voice and data services across North America, and to over 120 countries worldwide.
Commercial launches of Soyuz carrier rockets are managed by Starsem, a European-Russian joint venture, which comprises EADS SPACE, Arianespace, the Russian Federal Space Agency, and the Samara-based Progress design and production center.
Soyuz launch with Globalstar second-generation satellites is postponed 24 hoursBaikonur, Kazakhstan (SPX) Jul 12, 2011 –
Monday’s launch of six Globalstar second-generation satellites was postponed 24 hours following the countdown’s interruption prior to liftoff of the Soyuz launch vehicle from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The countdown was stopped because of an equipment malfunction on the Soyuz launch pad, and the launcher with its spacecraft passengers immediately were put into a safe condition.
Liftoff of the mission is rescheduled for July 12 at 8:43 a.m. local time at Baikonur Cosmodrome (02:43 a.m. UTC).
This flight is being performed for Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, and is the second of four launches contracted with Arianespace to orbit 24 satellites for Globalstar’s second-generation satellite constellation.
The six Thales Alenia Space-built satellites to be deployed during the mission weigh approximately 700 kg. each, and they will handle Globalstar’s voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services – including its lineup of SPOT retail consumer products.
Launch of Globalstar Satellites Postponed
Covington, La – Globalstar, Inc., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses and consumers, reports that the launch of six Globalstar satellites, scheduled for earlier today, was postponed following the countdown’s interruption prior to liftoff of the Soyuz launch vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Launch provider Arianespace announced that the Globalstar launch has been delayed. Globalstar and Arianespace will provide further information as it becomes available.
