NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2011-080C
Globalstar M082 was launched from Baikonur on 28 December 2011 at 17:09 UT by a Soyuz rocket. There were a total of six new second-generation satellites launched, each weighing approximately 700 kg. In the coming months the satellites will use their on-board power to climb into a 1,400-km operating orbit, where they will join the rest of the Globalstar constellation.
The Globalstar satellites are divided among eight orbital planes to evenly spread the spacecraft across the globe. This is the third group of six satellites to be placed in orbit. The fourth group of six is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2012, which will complete Globalstar's 24 second-generation constellation. Once the constellation of the second-generation satellites is fully deployed, it will support Globalstar's mobile satellite voice and data services for commercial and government customers in more than 120 countries. The second-generation Globalstar constellation will replace the existing first-generation constellation, gradually restoring voice and duplex data service as they join the network. The satellites are expected to operate for 15 years.
Launch Date: 2011-12-28
Launch Vehicle: Soyuz-2.1a/Fregat
Launch Site: Tyuratam (Baikonur Cosmodrome), Kazakhstan
Mass: 700 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office