Photo: Globalstar

The FCC authorized Globalstar to deploy the upgrade of its Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation, dismissing a SpaceX petition that Globalstar’s request be denied. 

The FCC granted Globalstar’s request to begin deploying its replacement constellation, authorizing the operator to deploy up to 17 replacement satellites with a 15-year license term. However, the FCC deferred approval for the remaining nine satellites until Globalstar submits an updated orbital debris mitigation plan. 

Globalstar’s constellation provides mobile satellite services (MSS), including service to certain Apple iPhones. In 2022, Globalstar ordered 17 new replacement satellites, with an option to purchase nine more, in a $327 million contract with MDA Space. 

“The satellite refresh program is expected to result in improved performance and coverage for Globalstar’s mobile satellite services, including Direct to Device satellite connections, around the world. Achieving this milestone is imperative to Globalstar to enable us to complete our mission of providing critical mobile satellite connectivity and lifesaving technology worldwide,” commented Globalstar CEO Dr. Paul E. Jacobs.

Globalstar currently operates a 24-satellite second generation constellation in a Walker configuration and four satellites from its first generation fleet, the operator confirmed to Via Satellite. Globalstar also has a second generation in-orbit spare in a lower orbit.

According to the FCC order, seven of the current satellites are known as HIBLEO-4 and licensed in the U.S. The other satellites are licensed in France, known as HIBLEO-X. The company is currently authorized to operate up to 48 satellites.

For the constellation upgrade, Globalstar plans to initially launch eight HIBLEO-4 next generation satellites and combine them with the HIBLEO-X satellites. As it replenishes the HIBLEO-4 satellites, it will phase out the HIBLEO-X satellites and the constellation will be composed entirely of the U.S. licensed satellites. The full constellation upgrade will be 26 MDA-built satellites.

SpaceX objected to Globalstar replacing satellites authorized by France under a U.S. license, and also asked the FCC to pause all pending applications in certain parts of the 2 GHz band and to reassess MSS spectrum-sharing. SpaceX had asked the FCC to operate in spectrum licensed to Globalstar and Dish, which the FCC dismissed in March. 

The FCC ordered that although some of the satellites are licensed in France, they have always been authorized to provide service in the U.S. and “operate effectively as one system with the U.S. licensed satellites.” 

The FCC concluded that Globalstar’s application serves the public interest, having provided service to over 760,000 end user customers and potentially millions more with direct-to-handset emergency service.

The FCC said that it recognizes the investment necessary to build a satellite system and would approve next-generation systems unless “extraordinary circumstances prevent us from doing so.”

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the number of operational Globalstar satellites.