A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the Globalstar-2 FM-15 telecommunications satellite to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex-40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 12:27 a.m. on 19 June 2022. After stage separation, the first stage landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission previously supported the launch of Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, one Starlink mission, Transporter-4, and Transporter- 5.

Globalstar Announces Successful Launch of Spare Satellite

COVINGTON, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Globalstar, Inc. (NYSE American: GSAT), a leading provider of satellite- powered innovation, today announced the successful launch of the FM-15 spare satellite from Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center [Actually SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station - Ed.]. FM-15 is the 25th and final satellite of Globalstar’s second-generation constellation, which was manufactured and stored by Thales Alenia Space. The satellite is expected to remain as an in-orbit spare and will only be raised to its operational orbit at a future date, if needed.

Launch services provider SpaceX confirmed that the upper stage of the Falcon 9 rocket accurately injected the satellite into its targeted low earth orbit. Globalstar has begun initial in-orbit testing and the satellite is operating nominally at this time.

“We are pleased to achieve launch success together with SpaceX and would like to extend a profound thank you to the team at Thales Alenia Space for successfully manufacturing, storing and then readying the satellite for launch,” said David Kagan, CEO. “This latest satellite, which will serve as an in-orbit spare, plays a crucial role in our continued growth plans prior to the launch of additional satellites procured from MDA and Rocket Lab which are expected to launch in 2025.”

The satellite addition is designed to further support Globalstar’s data products and services including its legacy Duplex, SPOT retail consumer and Commercial IoT. The launch further solidifies Globalstar’s commitment to deliver uninterrupted connectivity to users worldwide.