The satellites were developed, fully integrated and tested at MDA Space’s facilities in Montréal before being shipped for launch from Space Launch Complex 40. Their deployment represents a significant step in the Canadian company’s expansion into higher-volume production for commercial satellite constellations.
MDA Space is building 17 satellites for Globalstar, with the remaining nine now in the final stages of integration. Once operational, the new spacecraft will extend the life of Globalstar’s existing LEO constellation, which supports direct-to-device satellite services on selected mobile phones and Internet of Things applications.
“This program for Globalstar marked a major transformation in our design and high-volume satellite production process, enabling us to accelerate development and manufacturing,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “With the execution of this constellation nearing completion, and with our new high-volume manufacturing facility now in operation, we are ramping up even further, giving us the capacity to meet customer requirements as market demand increases.”
The Globalstar programme has been used by MDA Space to develop and scale its satellite design and manufacturing processes. The company said its new high-volume manufacturing facility is now operating and provides additional capacity as demand for constellation-class spacecraft increases.
The launch leaves nine Globalstar satellites to complete integration before the full 17-spacecraft order is delivered. For MDA Space, the programme also establishes a commercial reference point for its role as a prime contractor capable of designing, manufacturing, integrating and delivering satellites for large LEO constellations.
