First set of eight satellites for Globalstar 2-R mission deployed to low Earth orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking the beginning of the commissioning phase
TORONTO, Aug. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) (NYSE: MDA), a leading provider of advanced technology and services to the rapidly expanding global space industry, confirms the successful deployment of the initial eight replenishment satellites for Globalstar Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GSAT) existing low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. Developed and fully integrated and tested in Montréal, the satellites were launched on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at 9:12 p.m. ET aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and will now undergo a series of in-orbit tests as part of the commissioning phase.
This marks a defining moment in MDA Space history, as these LEO satellites are the first to be delivered by MDA Space as a prime contractor for commercial communications constellations.
"This program for Globalstar marked a major transformation in our design and high-volume satellite production process, enabling us to accelerate development and manufacturing," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "With the execution of this constellation nearing completion, and with our new high-volume manufacturing facility now in operation, we are ramping up even further, giving us the capacity to meet customer requirements as market demand increases."
The remaining nine satellites on order are in the final stages of integration at MDA Space. Once fully operational on orbit, they will enable Globalstar to extend the life of its existing constellation, which supports direct-to-device satellite-enabled services on select mobile phones and IoT applications.
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