Alcatel Alenia Space announced in December 2006 it has signed a Euro 661 million contract with Globalstar, Inc., a provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government and individuals, to provide their second-generation satellite constellation. Per this contract, Alcatel Alenia Space, as prime contractor, will design, manufacture and deliver 48 low-earth-orbit (LEO) Globalstar -satellites as well as launch support services prior to and during the launches and mission operations support.

This definitive contract occurs a few weeks after the preliminary contract (Authorization To Proceed) signature aimed at defining the program readiness review and developing program milestones.

With a launch mass of approximately 700 kg and an end-of-life power of 1.7 kW, Globalstar satellites will be fitted with 16 transponders from C- to S-band and 16 receivers from L- to C-band. Starting in 2010, Globalstar satellites were launched by 6 to 8 at the same time and will have a lifetime of 15 years. The satellites will be deployed into a 920 km, 52° phasing orbit, from where they will raise themselves to the operational 1410 km, 52° orbit.

This agreement will involve Alcatel Alenia Space's production sites in France, Italy, Spain and Belgium. Globalstar's second-generation satellites will be assembled and integrated in Alcatel Alenia Space facility in Roma (Italy). The payloads will be provided by the company's facility in Toulouse (France); the structures as well as the thermal subsystems being provided by its facility in Cannes (France).