Globalstar Adjusts Sequence of Launches; No Impact on Initiation of Commercial Service Scheduled for September
Business Wire - April 29, 1999 09:17
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 1999--Globalstar is adjusting its launch schedule to
take full advantage of an additional launch slot recently made available by Boeing for launch of a Delta
II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Station in mid-July without affecting its planned initiation of service.
"This acceleration of a previously procured Boeing Delta II launch from early November to mid-July
strengthens our deployment plans in several ways," said Bernard L. Schwartz, chairman and chief
executive officer of Globalstar. By launching the four Globalstar satellites to a higher altitude, the Delta
II rocket offers the advantage of reducing the time required for orbit raising. It, therefore, will allow
earlier availability of the satellites for system tests.
The Soyuz launch originally scheduled for May will take place in November, maintaining the previous
schedule and resulting in at least 32 satellites in orbit ready to support the start of commercial service
during the third quarter of 1999. The company has already successfully launched a total of 20 satellites
on five launch vehicles, two Delta II and three Soyuz rockets.
Globalstar plans to launch an additional 32 satellites this year on eight rockets. The current schedule,
below, will complete the full constellation by year end:
June Delta Sept. Soyuz
July Delta Oct. Soyuz
July Delta Nov. Soyuz
Aug. Delta Dec. Delta
Globalstar, led by founding partner Loral Space & Communications, is a partnership of the world's
leading telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers, including Qualcomm
Incorporated, AirTouch Communications, Alcatel, Alenia, China Telecom (HK), DACOM,
DaimlerChrysler Aerospace, Elsacom (a Finmeccanica Company), France Telecom, Hyundai, Space
Systems/Loral and Vodafone. For more information, visit Globalstar's web site at
www.globalstar.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding schedules for future
satellite launches and commencement of commercial service of the Globalstar system. These
forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and actual results may be materially
different from those expressed or implied by such statements. For a description of factors which may
cause results for Globalstar to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements, please consult the Securities and Exchange Act filings of Globalstar
Telecommunications Limited.
CONTACT: Jeanette Clonan
+1-212-338-5658 |
