Globalstar gets conditional approval to replenish constellation

Globalstar has secured permission to start deploying up to 17 improved direct-to-smartphone connectivity satellites next year despite SpaceX objections.

The Federal Communications Commission authorized the proposed satellites Aug. 16 and extended the company’s operating license by 15 years to 2039.

However, the U.S. regulator deferred deciding on plans to deploy another nine satellites, which Globalstar intends to use as in-orbit spares, until the operator updates its orbital debris mitigation plan.

Covington, Louisiana-based Globalstar currently operates 31 satellites, comprising seven dubbed HIBLEO-4 that are licensed by the United States and 24 spacecraft called HIBLEO-X under France. 

While deployed more than a decade ago to provide L-band connectivity to specialized handsets and remote devices, the satellites now also support SOS and messaging services for the latest iPhones under a transformational partnership with Apple.

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