On Sunday, June 19, at 12:27 a.m., ET, a SpaceX Falcon 9 launched the Globalstar FM15 satellite to LEO from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
This was the ninth launch and landing of this booster, which previously supported the launch of Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, one Starlink mission, Transporter-4, and Transporter-5.
Globalstar, Inc. also announced the successful launch of their FM15 spare satellite from Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center. FM-15 is the 25th and final satellite of Globalstar’s 2Gen constellation, which was manufactured and stored by Thales Alenia Space. The satellite is expected to remain as an on-orbit spare and will only be raised to its operational orbit at a future date, if needed.
SpaceX confirmed that the upper stage of the Falcon 9 rocket accurately injected the satellite into its targeted LEO and the company has started initial on-orbit testing and the satellite is operating nominally at this time. This satellite addition to the firm’s constellation is designed to further support Globalstar’s data products and services, including the firm’s legacy Duplex, SPOT retail consumer and Commercial IoT. The launch further solidifies Globalstar’s commitment to deliver uninterrupted connectivity to users worldwide.
“We are pleased to achieve launch success together with SpaceX and would like to extend a profound thank you to the team at Thales Alenia Space for successfully manufacturing, storing and then readying the satellite for launch,” said David Kagan, CEO. “This latest satellite, which will serve as an in-orbit spare, plays a crucial role in our continued growth plans prior to the launch of additional satellites procured from MDA and Rocket Lab which are expected to launch in 2025.”
Globalstar introduced their SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger in 2007. Today, leveraging its LEO satellite constellation, Globalstar reliably connects and protects assets, transmits key operational data, and saves lives – from any location – for consumers, industrial companies, and government agencies in over 120 countries. With a portfolio that includes SPOT GPS messengers, next-generation IoT products and modules and cloud-based telematics solutions, Globalstar’s cost-effective satellite-powered innovations give users visibility and intelligence for improving safety and operational efficiencies.