Soyuz launch with Globalstar second-generation satellites is postponed 24 hours

July 11, 2011

Today’s orbiting of six Globalstar second-generation satellites was postponed 24 hours following the countdown’s interruption prior to liftoff of the Soyuz launch vehicle from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The countdown was stopped because of an equipment malfunction on the Soyuz launch pad, and the launcher with its spacecraft passengers immediately were put into a safe condition.

Liftoff of the mission is rescheduled for July 12 at 8:43 a.m. local time at Baikonur Cosmodrome (02:43 a.m. UTC).

This flight is being performed for Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, and is the second of four launches contracted with Arianespace to orbit 24 satellites for Globalstar’s second-generation satellite constellation.

The six Thales Alenia Space-built satellites to be deployed during the mission weigh approximately 700 kg. each, and they will handle Globalstar’s voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services – including its lineup of SPOT retail consumer products.

Follow Starsem’s ST23 mission activity with the update stories: Soyuz delivers six satellites for Globalstar’s constellation on an Arianespace-Starsem mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome (July 13, 2011) The Globalstar mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome with Soyuz is reset for July 13 (July 12, 2011) Final Soyuz launcher integration is underway for the next Globalstar mission from Kazakhstan (July 7, 2011) Globalstar’s six-satellite “cluster” is integrated for the upcoming Soyuz launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome (July 1, 2011) Soyuz liftoff with six Globalstar satellites is set for July 11 from Baikonur Cosmodrome (June 27, 2011) Launch delay for Soyuz Flight ST23 (April 11, 2011) Processing is underway for Globalstar's second-generation satellites to be launched by Soyuz in May (April 1, 2011) The second Soyuz launch campaign with Globalstar second-generation satellites has begun at Baikonur Cosmodrome (March 22, 2011)