It is the twenty-fifth and last satellite in the second-generation Globalstar constellation, and was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space. As reported by the company in a statement, the satellite is expected to remain in orbit as a spare and only be raised to its operational orbit at a future date, if necessary.
SpaceX confirmed that the upper stage of the Falcon 9 rocket accurately injected FM-15 into its target low-Earth orbit; Globalstar began initial tests in orbit; and the satellite is already operating nominally.
David Kagan, CEO of Globalstar, commented: “This latest satellite, which will serve as an in-orbit spare, plays a crucial role in our continued growth plans ahead of the launch of additional satellites acquired from MDA and Rocket Lab, which are expected to be launched in 2025”.
Globalstar will be part of the Satellite Map Day 2022 event, organized by Convergencialatina tomorrow. To sign up, enter here.