PR Newswire·Nov 10, 2026, 8:15 AM ET

MDA SPACE AND GLOBALSTAR COMPLETE INITIAL ON-ORBIT FUNCTIONAL TESTS FOR GLOBALSTAR 2-R MISSION

Eight Globalstar 2-R replenishment satellites launched on August 15, 2026, have passed initial functional tests & payload health checks.
Electric orbit raising has commenced for the first two satellites while the remaining six align for in-orbit testing of payload & bus functionality.
Rocket Lab Corporation supports the orbit raising process to reach the final testing altitude before maneuvering satellites to their permanent Low Earth Orbit.
MDA Space completed the final integration stages for the remaining nine satellites in Montréal, bringing the total replenishment order to 17 satellites.
The full constellation will enhance Globalstar's HIBLEO network to support direct-to-device services on mobile phones & IoT applications.
Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space, highlighted the mission's multiple firsts & the company's continued focus on execution & delivery.