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. satellites
Moscow (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 hours
Baikonur, 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.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:05 AEST London, UK (SPX) Jun 27, 2011 - MT Aerospace Satellite Products has been awarded a contract by Thales Alenia Space for the manufacture of 81 propellant tanks for the Iridium NEXT satellite program. The Wolverhampton/England-based subsidiary of German aerospace supplier MT Aerospace will be delivering high performance titanium diaphragm tanks for the next-generation constellation of satellites, anticipated to begin launching in 2015.

This is the largest contract in the company's history, safeguarding workload for the next three years. Furthermore, the contract marks a significant breakthrough for MT Aerospace Satellite Products into the commercial constellation market.

"We are very pleased to have won this major contract, in a very significant international competition, and are fully committed to supporting Thales Alenia Space and Iridium in the success of the Iridium NEXT constellation," says Michael Dandy, Managing Director of MT Aerospace Satellite Products.

"We already have a long history of delivering propellant tanks for the commercial telecoms market. By entering the commercial constellation market, we will now be serving two different and important sectors with our commercial products. This will enable us to offer even more competitive products to our customers in the long term."

Iridium is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe, enabling connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time.

Iridium NEXT is the most significant commercial space program underway today, and will replace the current constellation to deliver enhanced capabilities the new customers, as well as provide backward-compatible services for existing customers.

As prime contractor for Iridium NEXT, Thales Alenia Space is responsible for managing engineering development, systems integration and manufacture of the space segment comprising 66 operational Iridium satellites, six in-orbit spare satellites and nine ground spare satellites.

With MT Aerospace Satellite Products, Thales Alenia Space chose an experienced supplier that has a more than 20 year history of providing titanium diaphragm tanks with 100% reliability on orbit.

"The selection of MT Aerospace Satellite product is part of a competitive process to identify the most efficient partners meeting the challenging requirements for the production of a large constellation such as Iridium NEXT," said Philippe Aucher, Iridium NEXT project Manager for Thales Alenia Space. "We are happy to include MT Aerospace Satellite product as fully part of our team."

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:05 AEST Yarmouth ME (SPX) Jun 27, 2011 - DeLorme has announced the Fall 2011 release of the DeLorme inReach, the first Iridium-based personal communicator to deliver truly global two-way satellite text messaging; delivery confirmations; SOS capabilities; remote tracking, and an Android smartphone interface.

The inReach promises to revolutionize the way people stay affordably connected over the 90% of the Earth's surface not covered by cellular and land-based phone service. Its capabilities address the needs of anyone from outdoors enthusiasts to professional users in remote outposts.

The core communications component of the inReach is the Iridium 9602 short-burst data (SBD) transceiver, which provides a unique, two-way communications connection through the world's farthest-reaching satellite network. Iridium's pole-to-pole global connectivity means inReach users can send and receive messages anywhere on the planet.

The GPS-enabled inReach can be used by itself or paired with either an Android smartphone or a DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w.

When using the inReach as a standalone device, users can send pre-loaded text messages to designated recipients, and activate remote tracking, allowing others to follow their travels online via a continually-updated "bread crumb" trail. Unlike other standalone satellite messengers, the inReach provides delivery confirmation via flashing LED lights. In case of emergency, an SOS key can be triggered. The SOS key is protected by a "safety" to prevent false alarms.

When paired with an Android or the DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w, users enjoy full-featured, two-way text messaging (up to 160 characters per message) to and from email addresses and cell phones. Messages can also be posted to Facebook and Twitter.

In case of emergency, Android or PN-60w users can describe their predicament so responders can better prepare, and an ongoing dialog can be maintained for mutual status updates.

Any SOS message, whether relayed from a standalone or a paired inReach, will automatically activate remote tracking. That allows rescuers to efficiently zero in on the senders, whether they're stationary or on the move. All of the inReach SOS features are aimed at producing better outcomes and eliminating the critical search and rescue problem of false alarms unnecessarily deploying lifesaving assets.

"With Iridium's global, two-way service, we know we have the right provider for the unquestionable reach and reliability that our customers demand," said Jim Skillings, DeLorme Vice President for Commercial Products.

"DeLorme users range from active families and outdoor enthusiasts to professionals posted in remote locations around the world. What they all have in common is the need for worry-free navigation, communication hardware and services. With the inReach, we meet that need in a way never before possible."

"The DeLorme inReach is a great example of how our ecosystem of partners is extending the reach of Iridium now through Android smartphone technology, delivering the consumer market viable, two-way personal communications with unmatched global connectivity," said Patrick Shay, Iridium Vice President for Data Services.

Android users can drive the inReach GPS signal to their phone, improving positional accuracy to within 10 feet and eliminating the significant battery drain that results when a phone's native GPS is engaged.

A free application with DeLorme Topo North America maps will also be available for the Android. Maps can be downloaded to the Android so users won't need to rely on unpredictable cell phone coverage to access the navigation detail. DeLorme Topo North America comes included with the Earthmate PN-60w.

The inReach is compact, lightweight, waterproof, floatable, and impact-resistant, and it can maintain satellite signal lock even in difficult GPS environments. It will be available in October. There are separate models for Android and DeLorme users. Suggested retail price is $249.95. Annual subscription plans begin at $9.95 per month.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:05 AEST Baikonur, Kazakhstan (SPX) Apr 04, 2011 - The six Globalstar second-generation satellites to be orbited by Arianespace's next Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome are well advanced in their preparations as activities continue for the liftoff during May.

In a phased process, these 700-kg.-class spacecraft are proceeding through electrical and propulsion system checks, pressurization, fueling and weighing - readying them for integration on a conical-shaped dispenser that subsequently will be installed on the Soyuz launcher.

The ongoing satellite preparations are being performed in the Cosmodrome's Payload Processing Facility (PPF) and Hazardous Processing Facility (HPF) operated by Arianespace's Starsem affiliate, which also will conduct the Soyuz launch on behalf of Arianespace.

Globalstar has contracted with Arianespace to conduct a series of four Soyuz launches, each of which will carry six of the second-generation satellites for a total of 24 spacecraft. The upcoming flight in May is the second such mission, following a successful inaugural launch last October. In keeping up the pace, Globalstar plans two additional flights with 60-90 day intervals.

The second-generation Globalstar satellites were produced by Thales Alenia Space and have trapezoidal-shaped main bodies that are designed to enable the "cluster" of six to be integrated on a conical-shaped dispenser for each flight.

These satellites are designed to support Globalstar's current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services - including the company's lineup of SPOT retail consumer products. They will join eight first-generation Globalstar spacecraft launched in 2007 to form a 32-satellite constellation.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:05 AEST Covington, LA (SPX) Mar 22, 2011 - Globalstar has taken delivery of six new second-generation satellites at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Technicians from launch services provider Arianespace and satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space have begun the pre-launch testing and integration process in preparation for a scheduled liftoff in May.

Globalstar expects to conduct two additional launches of six satellites per launch, also from Baikonur, with all three remaining launches utilizing the highly reliable Soyuz launch vehicle. In October Globalstar successfully launched six new second-generation satellites also using the Soyuz.

Earlier this year Globalstar officials authorized acceptance of the new satellites at the Thales Alenia Space satellite manufacturing facility in Rome. Globalstar signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space in late 2006 for the design, manufacture and delivery of its second-generation constellation satellites.

In 2007 Globalstar contracted with Arianespace for a total of four launches of six satellites each using the Soyuz.

Globalstar plans to integrate the 24 new second-generation satellites with the eight first-generation satellites that were launched in 2007, to form a 32 satellite constellation.

The new satellites are designed to support Globalstar's current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services including the Company's lineup of SPOT retail consumer products.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:05 AEST McLean, VA (SPX) Nov 16, 2010 - Iridium Communications announces that it has won three Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) contracts to upgrade the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Enhanced Mobile Satellite Service (EMSS) Gateway in Hawaii. This effort, which is part of the DoD's EMSS Gateway Modernization Effort, is driven by three predominantly firm fixed-price contracts totaling $12,215,576.

The DoD's Iridium EMSS Gateway serves as a dedicated portal for the uplink and downlink of voice and data traffic through Iridium satellites for DoD and other U.S. government users throughout the world.

The scope of work covered under the DISA contracts includes replacement of key switching systems, upgrades to critical components of the Message Origination Center (MOC) and replacement of antenna radomes at the EMSS Gateway.

"This illustrates Iridium's importance as a part of the DoD's communications infrastructure and is a continuation of a long and valuable partnership," said Lt. Gen. John H. Campbell, USAF (Ret.), executive vice president, government programs.

"Iridium's global network of cross-linked satellites and supporting ground infrastructure provides vital communication links for U.S. military forces and civilian government agencies deployed anywhere in the world," said Scott Scheimreif, vice president, government programs for Iridium.

"Our upgrade work is focused on enhancing the DoD's opportunities to utilize the Iridium network as it expands its Iridium-based satellite communications applications.

"In addition, we are dedicated to delivering the industry-leading, reliable performance that is certified for our U.S. government customers. Finally, we are building in enhancements that support our mutual migration toward our next-generation constellation, Iridium NEXT."

The design and development of Iridium NEXT is underway and the company expects to launch the first satellites in early 2015.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:05 AEST Paris (AFP) Oct 26, 2010 - French defence and aerospace group Thales said on Tuesday it had finalised a contract worth 2.2 billion dollars to supply 81 telecommunications satellites to US firm Iridium Communication.

The first satellite will be launched in early 2015, under the contract worth the equivalent of 1.6 billion euros.

Subsidiary Thales Alenia Space will sub-contract out in North America about 40 percent of the work involved, a statement said.

Ericsson Provides New Switching Technology for Iridium Satellite Network
McLean VA (SPX) Oct 27 - Iridium Communications has contracted with Ericsson Federal Inc. (EFI) to implement a new Ericsson Mobile Softswitch Solution (MSS) to provide Iridium's next-generation switching technology, including custom design, development, integration and maintenance for the Iridium satellite communications system. Iridium has transitioned all commercial traffic to the new Ericsson MSS switching technology. The next-generation Ericsson MSS platform will support both current and future satellite communications services as well as increase the capacity of the existing Iridium network. This enhanced technology will provide a major upgrade in the current infrastructure, which will allow Iridium's present system to meet growing customer demand. It will also contribute to a smooth transition into Iridium NEXT, the company's next-generation satellite constellation. "Iridium's investment in the new switching system is the next step in modernizing our current network," said Jayesh Patel, vice president of network engineering and planning, Iridium. "Upgrading to the Ericsson switch improves the capacity and flexibility of our already robust, redundant system." "In the long term, the new switch lays the framework for the upgraded functionality and capacity of Iridium NEXT," said John Roddy, executive vice president of ground operations and product development, Iridium. "Our partnership with Ericsson is instrumental as we continue to move forward toward Iridium NEXT, positioning Iridium to meet the growing demands for added capacity and services in a cost-effective manner and with enhanced reliability." "Ericsson MSS offerings are designed to power the next generation all-IP converged networks that will support all types of traffic and emerging services," said Doug Smith, president and CEO, Ericsson Federal. "By providing the lowest power consumption on the market along with the smallest footprint, Ericsson MSS will deliver Iridium a low-cost and environmentally-friendly operation to power today's and tomorrow's networks. This relationship demonstrates Iridium's commitment to investing in the development of its next-generation satellite constellation." ]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:05 AEST Baikonur, Kazakhstan (SPX) Oct 20, 2010 - The initial cluster of six Globalstar second-generation satellites was successfully orbited today (October 20) 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 and 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.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:05 AEST La Jolla, CA (SPX) Oct 21, 2010 - Blue Sky Network, a leading, global provider of GPS tracking and communication solutions for land, sea, and aviation assets, announced that it is now a service partner of mobile satellite service provider, Iridium Servicios de Satelites S.A. a subsidiary of Iridium Communications Inc.

As an Iridium service partner in Brazil, Blue Sky Network can now provide its satellite-based GPS tracking and remote communication solutions directly to operators of air, land and marine vehicles based in that country.

The new partnership expands Blue Sky Network's global footprint and builds upon its long-standing relationship with Iridium, the world's only truly global mobile satellite service provider, and a technology innovator and market leader.

The new partnership lays the foundation for Blue Sky Network's long-term growth in the Brazilian market. The Company recently opened Blue Sky Network Brazil based in Alphaville, just outside Sao Paulo.

It currently provides GPS tracking and communication services to numerous civilian and government aviation operations, including TAM, Brazil's largest airline and Lider, the country's largest provider of helicopter and executive aviation services.

"We are extremely proud to join an exclusive group of Iridium service partners in Brazil," said Jon Gilbert, Blue Sky Network's CEO.

"Our comprehensive asset tracking solution that features real time tracking, text messaging, telemetry, and voice communication is particularly well suited to Brazil. The country's dense and expansive geography provides many obstacles to safe and secure transport and we look forward to helping aircraft and fleet owners overcome these challenges."

"Blue Sky Network is ideally suited to provide this critical tracking and remote communications service in Brazil," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, global distribution channels, Iridium.

"Through Iridium's global, short-burst data service, aircraft, vehicle and marine operators will now have access to reliable, two-way, real-time, cost-effective communications throughout Brazil's huge, remote land swaths, its extensive coastlines and waterways, and in its skies."

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:05 AEST Moscow (AFP) Oct 19, 2010 - A Russian Soyuz rocket carried six US Globalstar satellites into orbit on Tuesday, blasting off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Russia's space agency said.

"The launch took place at 21:11 Moscow time (1711 GMT)," Roskomos said in a statement.

The six second-generation satellites belonging to California-based Globalstar will separate from the Soyuz-2 rocket in two stages, the statement said.

They will be used for communications and to provide data to businesses and government agencies, replacing first-generation satellites launched in 1999.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:05 AEST Subscribe to our daily selection of space, military, environment and energy newsletters responseText http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=0016gbbKsaiGSpQFojVO8ZoHw%3D%3D