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Globalstar’s final batch of second-generation satellites are integrated for their Starsem mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome
The Soyuz payload dispenser system’s upper mast with two Globalstar satellites is moved into position for mating with the lower portion which holds four more spacecraft (photo at left). The mating operation nears completion (photo at right) to create a 6.7-meter-tall unit.
January 15, 2013
Six Globalstar satellites have been integrated on their dispenser for orbiting on the next Soyuz flight operated by Starsem, which is being operated on behalf of its Arianespace parent company.
During activity today in Starsem’s clean room facilities at the Cosmodrome, the satellite dispenser system’s upper mast section was mated with the lower mast portion, creating a 6.7-meter-tall unit that contains the complete payload “cluster.”
Two of the 700-kg.-class Globalstar spacecraft are installed on the mast’s upper portion and will be deployed first during the February 4 flight, while the remaining four satellites are positioned on the lower section for their subsequent release in the mission sequence.
These satellites – supplied by Thales Alenia Space – are trapezoidal in shape, allowing them to be installed around the conical payload dispenser.
They represent the final batch in Globalstar’s second-generation constellation, which provides products including relay capacity for mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages.
The upcoming Starsem mission is the final of four flights currently contracted to Arianespace for orbiting the second-generation Globalstar constellation – wrapping up a series of launches that started in October 2010, and continued in July and December 2011.
It will be the 26th performed by Starsem since beginning operations at Baikonur Cosmodrome in 1999 on a historic introductory commercial Soyuz flight also at the service of Globalstar – carrying four of its first-generation constellation satellites.