Globalstar
The Globalstar satellite is simple and proven. Each consists of an antenna, a trapezoidal
body, two solar arrays and a magnetometer, and operates at an altitude of 1414km (876
The Globalstar constellation consists of 48 LEO (Low Earth Orbiting) satellites, with an
additional four satellites in orbit as spares.
The satellites utilize a "bent-pipe" architecture. On any given call, several satellites
transmit a caller's signal via CDMA technology to a satellite dish at the appropriate
Gateway where the call is then routed locally through the terrestrial telecommunications
The satellites are placed in eight orbital planes of six satellites each, inclined at 52 degrees
to provide service on Earth from 70 degrees North latitude to 70 degrees South.