MILPITAS, Calif., Sept. 4, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, governments, and individuals, today announced it has signed a launch agreement with European launch services company Arianespace for the launch of Globalstar's second-generation LEO (low earth orbit) satellite constellation. The agreement provides Globalstar with the ability to conduct back-to-back launch campaigns and commence launching its second-generation satellites as early as the summer of 2009.
Globalstar will again be using the highly reliable, human-rated Soyuz launch vehicle, which has been used to successfully launch twenty-eight Globalstar satellites since 1999. Later this year, four additional first generation satellites are scheduled for launch using the Soyuz booster.
Arianespace is a world leader in space transportation and is headquartered in France. The agreement provides for up to eight launches from Arianespace's Guiana Space Center launch complex located in French Guiana. The Spaceport has been operational since 1968 and has been the site of more than 460 launches.
The Guiana Space Center Soyuz launch complex modifications are expected to be completed well in advance of the 2009 Globalstar second-generation satellite launch dates. If required, the Globalstar launches may also be performed at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
"We are very pleased to finalize this agreement which secures the launch of our second-generation space segment, and I would like to thank Arianespace for providing us with the flexibility needed to accommodate both our launch budget and the accelerated delivery and deployment schedule of the new satellites," said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar, Inc. Mr. Monroe added, "This completes the final major contract necessary to deploy our long-term space segment and it also enables us to once again work with one of the world's leading providers of space transportation while meeting our reliability and pricing objectives. Seven Globalstar launches have already been successfully conducted using the Soyuz launch vehicle and we look forward to working with Arianespace and their contractors as they prepare for our initial second-generation satellite launch expected as early as the summer of 2009."
Globalstar launched four first-generation satellites on Soyuz in late May and is preparing to launch an additional four in the fourth quarter of this year, again using the Soyuz booster. In addition to augmenting the current constellation, the eight first-generation spare satellites will also be integrated into the second-generation constellation. A total of 32 satellites will then contribute to the company's initial deployment of its new constellation. The remaining un-launched second-generation satellites will provide Globalstar with the capability to extend the lifespan of its constellation well beyond 2025.
The Globalstar second-generation constellation is being designed for a 15-year contracted lifespan. The new constellation is expected to provide Globalstar customers with long-term, high quality and reliable satellite voice and data services. Globalstar expects the new constellation and ground network to provide faster data speeds required to support services such as satellite mobile video. The preliminary design of the new Globalstar constellation has been completed and prime contractor Thales Alenia Space has commenced initial manufacturing of second-generation satellite components.
About Globalstar, Inc.
With over 275,000 activated satellite voice and data units, Globalstar offers satellite services to commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The company's voice and data products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.
For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit Globalstar's web site at www.globalstar.com
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the world's leading launch Service and Solutions company, delivering innovative services and solutions to its customers for more than 25 years. Backed by 23 shareholders, including the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled launcher family, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for their culture of excellence. Arianespace has launched 248 satellites since being founded, including more than 60% of the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a steady backlog of about 46 satellites to be launched, equal to more than three years of operations. www.arianespace.com
Safe Harbor Language for Globalstar Releases
This press release contains certain statements such as "Globalstar expects the new constellation and ground network to provide faster satellite data speeds required to support services such as satellite mobile video," that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Globalstar's control, including demand for the Company's products and services; problems relating to the construction, launch or in-orbit performance of its existing and future satellites, problems relating to the ground-based facilities operated by it or by independent gateway operators; its ability to attract sufficient additional funding if needed to meet its future capital requirements; competition and its competitiveness vis-a-vis other providers of satellite and ground-based communications products and services; the pace and effects of industry consolidation; the continued availability of launch insurance on commercially reasonable terms, and the effects of any insurance exclusions; changes in technology; its ability to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel; worldwide economic, geopolitical and business conditions and risks associated with doing business on a global basis; and legal, regulatory, and tax developments, including changes in domestic and international government regulation.
Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak as of the date made and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results or developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any such statements. Additional information on factors that could influence Globalstar's financial results is included in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.