Deliver Your News to the World

Alcatel Alenia Space wins contract to upgrade Globalstar Control Network facility


WEBWIRE

Alcatel Alenia Space announced today that it has been awarded a 9 million euro contract by Globalstar, Inc (NASDAQ:GSAT), a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services, to upgrade their Control Network facility. The upgraded control facility will enable Globalstar to monitor and control its second-generation satellite constellation and provide support for satellite operations through 2025.

Alcatel Alenia Space will provide Globalstar with the control network upgrades required to support the second-generation satellite constellation over its 15-year design life. The contract covers several parts of the Globalstar Control Network facility: Satellite and Operation Control Center (SOCC) in Milpitas, California and the backup satellite ground control facility in El Dorado Hills, California, upgrades to the Telemetry and Command Units (TCU) and In Orbit Test Equipment (IOTE) located in several Globalstar ground stations worldwide.

This latest contract is in addition to the initial 661 million euro contract awarded by Globalstar in December 2006 to design, manufacture and deliver 48 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, coupled with launch and mission support services. Starting in 2009, these second-generation Globalstar satellites will be launched in clusters of six to eight at a time.

“This latest contract fully reflects Globalstar’s confidence in our company and in the ability of our ground segment solutions to meet the specific requirements of a LEO satellite constellation,” said Dimitri Savescu, senior vice president for ground business activities at Alcatel Alenia Space. “Going forward, it also provides clear proof of our end-to-end capabilities in this market.”

A preliminary version of the upgraded control network facility is to be installed by end-2008 for use with first-generation satellites. Final delivery is expected by mid-2009 to prepare for the second generation of satellites, slated for launch from year-end 2009.



WebWireID31817





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.