[SatNews] Globalstar, Inc.(Nasdaq:GSAT) has installed new hardware and software upgrades at its satellite operations and control center located in Milpitas, California, and its backup control center located in El Dorado Hills, California. The upgrades, provided by Thales Alenia Space, are required to support the 15-year plus lifespan of the new Globalstar 2G satellite constellation that is scheduled for launch starting in September or early October of this year.

The new constellation, also designed and manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, is expected to provide Globalstar customers with mobile satellite voice and data services through beyond 2025. The Globalstar Satellite Operations and Control Center (SOCC) upgrades were developed using Thales' COTS product called SCC/Open, with customizations specific to the Globalstar mission. Thales is also upgrading the Globalstar's Telemetry and Command Units (TCU) and In Orbit Test (IOT) hardware and software located at the various Globalstar gateway ground stations around the world. Combined with the SOCC improvements, these upgrades provide Globalstar with the capability to administer increased 2G satellite constellation mission operations command, support and control with minimal expert staffing and maximum task automation.