Globalstar (News - Alert), Inc. a provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to commercial enterprises has reportedly announced the commencement of satellite telemetry control unit upgrades installation prior to the launch of its new second-generation satellites.  

 

According to the announcement, the pre-launch upgraded hardware and software versions are being provided by Thales (News - Alert) Alenia Space. The upgraded versions are being installed at various Globalstar gateway ground facilities located in Argentina, Australia, Botswana, France, Korea and United States. The upgrade will help Globalstar observe and manage the orbital positioning of the proposed satellites expected to be launched during the beginning of current summer.

 

'The TCU gateway upgrades represent a significant milestone for the company as we prepare for the launch of our new satellites,' Peter Dalton, CEO, Globalstar, Inc., said. 'We anticipate that 2010 will be a game-changing year for Globalstar. We expect to continue introducing new consumer Simplex solutions such as the new satellite GPS communicator we announced jointly with DeLorme last week at the Consumer Electronics Show.”

 

The planned gateway upgrades help pave the way for the launch and management of our new satellites and all the potential associated with our next-generation constellation, Dalton said. Once deployed, the company will not only continue building upon its reputation as the leading provider of high-quality consumer simplex satellite GPS and messaging products, but also re-focus our energies on providing world-class two-way satellite voice and duplex data solutions.

 

The installed telemetry control unit upgrades will give Globalstar improved capabilities to communicate and monitor the conditions of the satellites when they are deployed and start operating. Globalstar is planning to perform the control operations from its two control centers located in California. The new satellites, when they become functional, will let Globalstar leverage advanced capabilities of inherited global satellite services past 2025.

 

Globalstar is catering to the satellite voice data services needs of over 375,000 commercial and recreational subscribers in 120 plus countries all around the globe. Globalstar also meet the requirements of clients from oil and gas, government agencies, mining, forestry, fishing, military, transportation, big constructions and utilities.