Image by Globalstar

Globalstar detailed plans for its next-generation Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation to support Apple satellite connectivity in a filing this week to the FCC. 

Globalstar said in the filing it has been working on the new satellite system, called C-3, since October 2023. Last week, Globalstar announced MDA Space as the prime contractor for the next-gen LEO constellation after announcing plans for the constellation in November. MDA Space is also building Globalstar’s constellation upgrade, which is currently in the works. 

Globalstar petitioned the FCC this week for a declaratory ruling granting U.S. market access. In the filing, Globalstar indicated that the technology on these new satellites will enable connectivity in buildings and in vehicles. This system will feature higher gain and higher EIRP  (effective isotropic radiated power) transmit technology, dynamic beamforming, and more robust signal strength on the ground than Globalstar’s existing system. 

“Given this greater signal strength and the availability of multiple satellites overhead, users will have access to much-improved in-building and in-vehicle connectivity with less dependency on antenna orientation,” Globalstar said. 

The C-3 system will consist of 48 operational satellites and up to six in-orbit spares. Globalstar said it will operate the C-3 system simultaneously and in conjunction with its existing satellite system. The C-3 satellites will operate at the same orbital altitude of 1414 km, the same 52 degree inclination, and the same frequency bands as its existing satellites. They will operate in a Walker 48 configuration with 12 orbital planes. 

Globalstar is also planning a ground station investment with this constellation, to maximize coverage of areas that face natural and manmade disasters. The company plans to deploy approximately 90 new Earth station antennas at approximately 35 gateway earth station facilities located in at least 25 countries and territories. This includes entirely new gateway Earth station facilities in Hawaii.

Under the deal with Apple, Globalstar is allocating 85% of its network capacity for Apple services. Apple is paying Globalstar up to $1.1 billion to fund this new constellation. Apple is also investing $400 million for a 20% stake in a new Globalstar LLC that will own the constellation. 

“The C-3 System deployment is vital for the emergence of Globalstar’s advanced commercial/enterprise IoT and consumer-based MSS offerings, as well as an essential foundation for a variety of new, innovative direct-to-device satellite features on supported devices, such as Apple’s iPhones,” Globalstar said. 

Globalstar also argued in the filing that this higher power system is necessary to remain competitive with future offerings that take the approach of supplemental coverage from space – in which satellites use terrestrial spectrum versus satellite spectrum.