Orbcomm
Orbcomm Global L.P. said it successfully launched eight satellites Dec. 23 from the Wallops Island Flight Facility in Virginia. Based on results of testing that is about half finished, Orbcomm expects to offer commercial service next month with a constellation of 10 satellites.
Tests show that several satellites are generating lower-than-expected power levels, although Orbcomm believes that the power margin will be sufficient to meet planned service and lifetime requirements.
Engineers are also working to restore one of the radio transmitters on the satellite to normal operation, or implement alternative actions to bypass the problem. Orbcomm expects to launch 18 more satellites in its planned 36-satellite constellation by June.
Iridium
The scheduled launch of five Iridium satellites Jan. 31 from the Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California was postponed due to upper level winds and other unfavorable weather conditions. Iridium L.L.C. is monitoring the weather on a daily basis, and hopes to launch its satellites early this week.
Iridium is developing a global wireless communications network of 66 low-earth-orbit satellites and expects to introduce commercial service this year.
Globalstar
The inaugural launch of four Globalstar low-earth-orbiting satellites, planned for Feb. 5 at the Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida was rescheduled for Feb. 6 due to high ground and upper level winds. Friday’s weather forecast was for improved conditions.
The $2.6 billion Globalstar system will be comprised of 48 LEO satellites and a global network of approximately 60 ground stations.
