Space & Satellites
Globalstar & SpaceX Expand Satellite Network with Falcon 9 Launches
Globalstar partners with SpaceX to launch new satellites in 2025-2026, enhancing IoT and global connectivity with MDA and Rocket Lab tech.
In July 2025, Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT) announced a pivotal launch services agreement with SpaceX, marking a significant step forward in its long-term satellite constellation strategy. This partnership is not just about launching satellites, it’s about reinforcing Globalstar’s position in the rapidly evolving low Earth orbit (LEO) telecommunications landscape. With the new agreement, Globalstar plans to deploy additional satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket in 2026, supplementing an initial launch scheduled for late 2025.
This move comes at a time when the demand for reliable, global connectivity is surging. From critical IoT services to emergency communications and direct-to-device solutions, LEO satellite networks are becoming an essential layer of modern telecom infrastructure. Globalstar’s decision to collaborate with SpaceX, known for its cost-efficiency and reliability, demonstrates a strategic alignment focused on scalability, resilience, and long-term service continuity.
Globalstar’s journey began in 1991 as a joint venture between Loral Corporation and Qualcomm. Since then, the company has weathered financial turbulence and technological shifts to emerge as a key player in mobile satellite services (MSS). Its current second-generation constellation, deployed between 2010 and 2013, includes 24 satellites operating in LEO at approximately 1,414 km altitude. This network supports a wide array of services, including satellite voice, broadband data, and GPS-enabled emergency messaging through SPOT devices.
These satellites operate on a bent-pipe architecture, meaning they relay signals between ground stations without onboard processing. This design reduces complexity and allows ground-based software upgrades, enhancing flexibility and cost-efficiency. The system’s reliability is further bolstered by a network of 24 ground stations across six continents, ensuring global coverage and 99.9% uptime.
In 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) renewed Globalstar’s HIBLEO-4 license for another 15 years, granting spectrum continuity essential for long-term service commitments. This license allows continued use of the S-band and L-band frequencies, which are critical for interference-free operations and integration with terrestrial networks.
“Our Aurora platform supports iterative technology insertion, allowing Globalstar to deploy capabilities aligned with evolving market needs without full constellation replacements.”, Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA
In 2022, Globalstar signed a $327 million procurement agreement with MDA Space to build 17 new satellites. This contract was expanded to $1.1 billion in early 2025 to include over 50 Aurora-class satellites. These next-gen units are equipped with software-defined payloads, enabling in-orbit reconfigurability, a feature that allows Globalstar to adapt to emerging service demands without launching entirely new satellites.
Rocket Lab contributes critical components to these satellites, including power systems and propulsion units designed for extended operational life. The first 17 Aurora satellites are scheduled for launch in late 2025, with an additional nine to be deployed via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in 2026. This staggered approach ensures minimal disruption to existing services while increasing network density and capacity.
Importantly, the new satellites are not replacing the current constellation but augmenting it. This hybrid network model allows Globalstar to maintain service continuity while enhancing performance, particularly for IoT applications that require low-latency, high-reliability connections. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket offers a compelling value proposition for satellite operators. With a cost of approximately $2,720 per kilogram to LEO, about 70% lower than industry averages, it allows Globalstar to manage capital expenditures effectively. The launch agreement aligns with Globalstar’s phased deployment strategy, following the MDA satellite launch in 2025 with a second wave in 2026.
The Falcon 9 is not only cost-effective but also highly reliable, boasting a 98% success rate across over 300 missions. Its reusable design and rapid launch cadence provide the operational flexibility needed to meet evolving market demands. Moreover, the rocket’s payload fairing can accommodate multiple satellites, optimizing deployment costs.
Dr. Paul Jacobs, Globalstar’s CEO, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “The launch services agreement with SpaceX represents another important milestone as we continue to execute on our construction and launch plan.” This collaboration also includes collision-avoidance protocols, an increasingly critical consideration as LEO becomes more congested.
“SpaceX’s reusability model and rapid launch cadence align with our infrastructure evolution timeline.”, Dr. Paul Jacobs, CEO, Globalstar
Globalstar reported record revenue of $250.3 million in 2024, a 12% year-over-year increase. Service revenue, driven largely by Apple’s wholesale capacity payments, accounted for $237.7 million. Equipment sales from SPOT devices and satellite modems contributed an additional $12.7 million. Despite a net loss of $63.2 million, attributed to foreign exchange volatility and debt extinguishment, the company posted an adjusted EBITDA of $135.3 million, reflecting a robust 54% margin.
Apple’s $1.5 billion investment in late 2024 significantly strengthened Globalstar’s financial position. The deal included a $1.1 billion prepayment for expanded satellite services, a $400 million equity stake in a new Globalstar LLC, and $232 million in debt reduction. These funds are being used to expand ground infrastructure and develop 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) capabilities.
With this capital infusion, Globalstar aims to capture up to 85% of Apple’s satellite service demand. This partnership not only diversifies revenue streams but also enhances Globalstar’s strategic positioning in the direct-to-device connectivity space, a rapidly growing segment of the telecom market.
Globalstar’s new launch agreement with SpaceX is more than a logistical milestone, it’s a strategic enabler that reinforces the company’s long-term vision. By leveraging SpaceX’s cost-effective and reliable launch platform, Globalstar is enhancing its satellite constellation at a critical time when global demand for ubiquitous connectivity is surging. The integration of MDA’s next-generation satellites and Rocket Lab’s advanced components further solidifies this initiative.
Looking ahead, Globalstar is well-positioned to lead in the direct-to-device and IoT connectivity markets. Its unique combination of spectrum assets, strategic partnerships, and technological agility offers a compelling value proposition. However, the company must remain vigilant amid increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny related to LEO congestion. If executed effectively, these infrastructure investments could define the next era of global telecommunications resilience and innovation. What is the purpose of Globalstar’s agreement with SpaceX? How does this launch fit into Globalstar’s overall satellite strategy? What services does Globalstar provide? How is Apple involved with Globalstar? What are the risks of operating in LEO?
Globalstar and SpaceX: A Strategic Leap in Satellite Telecommunications
The Satellite Constellation Refresh and Manufacturing Backbone
Globalstar’s Evolution and Second-Generation Network
The MDA and Rocket Lab Collaboration
SpaceX Partnership: Operational and Strategic Significance
Launch Efficiency and Timeline
Financial Impacts and Market Position
Conclusion
FAQ
The agreement enables Globalstar to launch nine new satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket in 2026, enhancing its LEO constellation and service capabilities.
It complements a broader constellation refresh that includes over 50 next-generation satellites built by MDA and supported by Rocket Lab, with initial launches starting in 2025.
Globalstar offers voice and data satellite communications, IoT connectivity, emergency messaging through SPOT devices, and private 5G networks using Band 53/n53 spectrum.
Apple invested $1.5 billion in 2024 to support a new satellite constellation, including a $1.1 billion prepayment and a $400 million equity stake in a Globalstar LLC entity.
LEO congestion raises concerns about satellite collisions and space debris. Globalstar addresses this through collision-avoidance protocols and end-of-life deorbiting measures.
Sources
Photo Credit: Globalstar