Globalstar has secured permission to begin deploying up to 17 improved direct-to-smartphone connectivity satellites in 2024, despite objections from SpaceX. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized the proposed satellites on August 16, extending Globalstar's operating license for 15 years until 2039.
The FCC, however, deferred its decision on the deployment of nine additional satellites intended for use as in-orbit spares until Globalstar submits an updated orbital debris mitigation plan.
Covington, Louisiana-based Globalstar currently operates 31 satellites, including seven HIBLEO-4 satellites licensed by the United States and 24 HIBLEO-X spacecraft licensed by France. These satellites were initially deployed over a decade ago to provide L-band connectivity to specialized handsets and remote devices, but they now also support SOS and messaging services for the latest iPhones thanks to a partnership with Apple.
Globalstar awarded Canada's MDA a $327 million contract in 2022 to build 17 satellites, with options for up to nine more at $11.4 million each. Apple agreed to cover the majority of the costs associated with replenishing the constellation. SpaceX is under contract to launch the constellation, and Globalstar aims to deploy up to eight satellites before the end of 2025.
Globalstar has repeatedly declined to comment on the potential upgrades for cellular subscribers with iPhones that can access its updated constellation.
SpaceX is currently testing its own direct-to-smartphone constellation as part of its Starlink broadband constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO). SpaceX had urged the FCC to force Globalstar to assess potential interference with its proposed MSS network before approving the constellation. The FCC, however, agreed with Globalstar that such analysis was not necessary as the new satellites use previously authorized frequencies and technical parameters.
The FCC also dismissed SpaceX's arguments that Globalstar should only be allowed to replace the seven HIBLEO-4 satellites licensed under the United States. “Although some of its satellites are currently French-licensed, in this instance these satellites have always been authorized to provide service to the United States,” FCC Space Bureau Chief Julie Kearney wrote in the order, “and operate effectively as one system with the U.S. licensed satellites.”
Globalstar intends to phase out or retire the French-licensed HIBLEO-X satellites to ensure its entire constellation is authorized under the United States. The operator was previously authorized to operate a network of 48 satellites but intends to reduce this to 26 spacecraft.
Globalstar satellites operate at 1414 kilometers, significantly higher than many other LEO systems. In the event of a total loss of control of a satellite at an insertion orbit of around 700 kilometers, Globalstar estimates that it would take approximately 863 years for the spacecraft to de-orbit and break up naturally in the atmosphere.
As part of its license, the FCC has ordered Globalstar to implement a series of orbital debris mitigation measures to reduce the risk of long-term hazards in space. This includes submitting an updated casualty risk analysis before satellite deployment.
From an initial altitude of 680-700 kilometers, Globalstar must demonstrate how its satellites can safely ascend to an operational altitude of 1414 kilometers and then descend to approximately 400 kilometers at the end of their mission, where they would naturally de-orbit within five years. “In particular, we note that the failure of a satellite at the insertion orbit or operational orbit would result in creation of long-term debris,” Kearney wrote.
“Therefore, we condition this grant on Globalstar reporting to the Commission any inability to command the Globalstar replacement satellites above 400 kilometer altitude.”
Globalstar must also coordinate and collaborate with NASA to avoid impacting science missions while mitigating any impact its satellites have on optical ground-based astronomy.