Eight Globalstar Replenishment Sats Reach Orbit

Eight replenishment satellites for Globalstar’s (GSAT) existing low Earth orbit constellation were launched on August 15, 2026 at 9:12 p.m. ET from Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission used a SpaceX (SPCX) Falcon 9 rocket and marked the first deployment in a broader replenishment program for the mobile satellite services provider.

MDA Space confirmed the successful deployment of all eight satellites into low Earth orbit. The spacecraft now enter a commissioning phase, during which they will undergo a series of in‑orbit tests before being fully integrated into Globalstar’s operational network.

The replenishment satellites were developed, fully integrated, and tested by MDA Space in Montréal. This launch represents a defining milestone for the company as the first low Earth orbit satellites it has delivered as a prime contractor for a commercial communications constellation.

MDA Space stated that the Globalstar program has driven a major transformation in its design and high‑volume satellite production processes, enabling accelerated development and manufacturing. With a new high‑volume manufacturing facility now in operation, the company indicated it is ramping up capacity to meet growing market demand.

Nine additional satellites for the Globalstar replenishment effort are in the final stages of integration at MDA Space. Once launched and commissioned, the full set is expected to help extend the life of Globalstar’s existing constellation, which supports direct‑to‑device services on select mobile phones and IoT applications.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) supplied the satellite platforms for this mission under an agreement with MDA Space covering 17 platforms, a program it values at $143 million. The eight launched spacecraft use tailored 500 kg variants of Rocket Lab’s Lightning satellite platform.

These platforms were built and tested at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, California. They incorporate in‑house components including solar arrays, reaction wheels, avionics elements, TT&C radios, and software, reflecting a vertically integrated approach to spacecraft production.

Rocket Lab reported that it has established contact with all eight platforms in orbit. The satellites are generating power and spacecraft commissioning is underway, a key step toward integrating them into Globalstar’s mobile satellite services network to support direct‑to‑device and IoT connectivity.

The August 15 launch marks the first tranche in a 17‑satellite replenishment program intended to refresh Globalstar’s low Earth orbit constellation. With eight spacecraft now on orbit and nine more nearing completion at MDA Space, the program is progressing toward full deployment.

Once all satellites are launched, tested, and commissioned, they are expected to enhance the resilience and longevity of Globalstar’s network. This in turn is aimed at sustaining and expanding satellite‑enabled services for mobile devices and Internet of Things applications.