[SatNews] On the receiving side of six satellites...

Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT) has taken delivery of six new second-generation (2G) satellites at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Technicians from launch services provider Arianespace and satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space have begun the pre-launch testing and integration process in preparation for a scheduled liftoff in May. Globalstar expects to conduct two additional launches of six satellites per launch, also from Baikonur, with all three remaining launches using the highly reliable Soyuz launch vehicle. In October Globalstar successfully launched six new 2G satellites also using the Soyuz.

Earlier this year, Globalstar officials authorized acceptance of the new satellites at the Thales Alenia Space satellite manufacturing facility in Rome. Globalstar signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space in late 2006 for the design, manufacture and delivery of its 2G constellation satellites. In 2007, Globalstar contracted with Arianespace for a total of four launches of six satellites each using the Soyuz. Globalstar plans to integrate the 24 new 2G satellites with the eight 1G satellites that were launched in 2007, to form a 32 satellite constellation. The new satellites are designed to support Globalstar's current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services including the Company's lineup of SPOT retail consumer products.