--- title: "Eight Globalstar Satellites Complete Initial In-Orbit Testing" id: 220673 type: "post" slug: "globalstar-eight-satellites-in-orbit-testing" author: "NSE" published: "2026-11-11T15:21:43+00:00" modified: "2026-11-11T15:21:43+00:00" canonical: "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2026/11/11/globalstar-eight-satellites-in-orbit-testing/" markdown_url: "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2026/11/11/globalstar-eight-satellites-in-orbit-testing.md" description: "Eight Globalstar replenishment satellites have completed initial functional tests. Electric orbit raising has begun for the first two spacecraft." language: "en-US" category: - "Commercial Space" - "Communications Market" - "Current News" - "Space Economy" post_tag: - "Low Earth Orbit" - "Mda Space" - "Rocket Lab" - "Satellite Communications" - "Satellite Constellations" --- # Eight Globalstar Satellites Complete Initial In-Orbit Testing ![Eight Globalstar satellites passed initial tests; two began electric orbit raising, and nine more completed final integration in Montreal.](https://i0.wp.com/newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/globalstar-satellites-in-orbit-testing.png?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1) All eight Globalstar replenishment satellites launched on August 15, 2026, have completed initial functional tests, according to [MDA Space’s November 10 update](https://mda.space/article/mda-space-and-globalstar-complete-initial-on-orbit-functional-tests-for-globalstar2-r-mission). Electric orbit raising has begun for the first two spacecraft. The satellites are part of a 17-spacecraft order for Globalstar’s existing low Earth orbit network. Globalstar and MDA Space are testing payload and spacecraft-platform functions as the orbital planes of the remaining six satellites move into alignment. [Rocket Lab](https://rocketlabcorp.com/home/) is supporting orbit raising toward the final testing altitude before the satellites move into their operating orbits. ## From Launch to Commissioning [Rocket Lab](https://rocketlabcorp.com/home/)’s [August launch update](https://rocketlabcorp.com/updates/rocket-lab-satellite-platforms-built-for-mda-space-successfully-reach-orbit-supporting-globalstar-direct-to-device-communications-services/) recorded the first steps in that process. The company established contact with all eight satellites and confirmed that they were generating power and performing normally. Commissioning began after deployment to prepare the spacecraft for their role in the Globalstar network. The satellites launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9:12 p.m. Eastern Time on August 15. [Rocket Lab](https://rocketlabcorp.com/home/) identified the batch as the first eight platforms delivered under its $143 million agreement with MDA Space. The platforms were built and tested at the company’s Long Beach facility. Commissioning checks the functioning of a spacecraft in its actual orbital environment. Contact and electrical power establish the ability to operate it. Subsequent tests examine platform functions and the communications payload, and orbital maneuvers position the satellite for its assigned role in the constellation. ## The Platform and the Communications Payload Rocket Lab’s [Globalstar program description](https://rocketlabcorp.com/missions/launches/globalstar-constellation/) assigns distinct responsibilities to the manufacturers. Rocket Lab provides spacecraft buses based on its Lightning platform. MDA Space is the prime contractor, develops the communications payload, and performs final satellite assembly, integration, and testing. The bus provides the supporting spacecraft systems that allow the payload to operate. These include electrical power, attitude control, computing, and communications with mission controllers. The payload carries out the satellite’s service function, in this case communications for the customer’s network. Rocket Lab identifies solar arrays, reaction wheels, flight and ground software, avionics, and telemetry, tracking, and command radios among its supplied systems. Solar arrays generate electricity. Reaction wheels adjust spacecraft orientation. Telemetry reports equipment conditions, and command links allow controllers to direct spacecraft activities. Integrating a payload with its platform connects those functions. The communications equipment draws power, depends on the satellite’s orientation, and exchanges status information with the control system. Final assembly and testing examine the combined spacecraft before launch, followed by commissioning after it reaches orbit. ## Replenishing an Existing Communications Network Globalstar describes its network as a [bent-pipe communications architecture](https://www.globalstar.com/en-gb/about/who). In this arrangement, satellites relay user signals to terrestrial gateways for processing. The ground infrastructure connects the orbital relay to other communications networks and the services used by customers. A bent-pipe satellite performs a different role from a terrestrial cellular tower, but both are parts of a larger communications system. The satellite receives a radio signal and forwards it toward a gateway. Processing and network connections on the ground support delivery of the message or data to its destination. Globalstar’s services include satellite messaging and connected-device applications. The company also supplies SPOT devices for tracking, check-ins, and emergency messaging. The replenishment mission supports the HIBLEO constellation used for direct-to-device services on selected mobile phones and Internet of Things applications. The 2-R replenishment effort is separate from the C-3 system discussed in New Space Economy’s coverage of [Globalstar’s C-3 authorization](https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2026/10/21/globalstar-receives-u-s-authorization-for-its-c-3-satellite-system/). The November testing update concerns spacecraft being added to the existing constellation. MDA Space also reported completion of the final integration stages for the remaining nine satellites at its Montreal facility. The program now combines in-orbit testing and orbit raising for the first eight with completed final integration of the second batch. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Useful Books Available on Amazon - [Satellite Communications Systems: Systems, Techniques and Technology](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119382084?tag=nse0a4-20)