[Satellite TODAY 10-20-10] An Arianespace Soyuz 2-1A rocket launched the first six of Globalstar’s 24-satellite second-generation constellation from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the operator announced Oct. 19.
    The launch, conducted by Arianespace’s Starsem affiliate, will deliver the six spacecraft into a circular phasing orbit. The new satellites, manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, carry 16 transponders from C- to S-band and 16 receivers from L- to C-band to support Globalstar voice and data services.
    The launch took place hours after the mobile satellite voice and data services provider received U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval to temporarily operate the constellation’s satellite gateway ground stations in Sebring, Fla., and Clifton, Texas. The FCC also approved Globalstar’s authority to operate in-orbit test-equipment upgrades at the Clifton gateway.
    The ground network to support the constellation will be installed by 2012.