By Suzanna Kerridge, 10 February 1999 00:20
NEWS Globalstar's plans for a satellite communications service continue to stay on track following a third consecutive successful rocket launch. The company confirmed yesterday that all four satellites aboard the Soyruz-Ikar rocket were successfully placed into low earth orbit. Bernard Schwartz, CEO of Globalstar, confirmed there will be monthly launches to ensure 32 satellites are in orbit in order to start the commercial service in autumn this year. The company has had to revise its launch plan after losing 12 satellites, costing $15m each, in the September crash of a Zenit rocket. The loss of the rockets meant the company had to bring forward the first three Soyruz launches by two months. Schwartz said all 48 satellites will be in orbit by December this year with an extra four in-orbit spares. Gateways to the service are currently being deployed to offer an initial service in Argentina, China, Canada, France, Italy, Korea and the US. By the end of the year, Schwartz said the company will be able to offer a service to 45 per cent of the world. A worldwide service will be available in March 2000, he added.
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