Globalstar has signed an agreement with the manufacturer of its second generation constellation, Thales Alenia Space, to develop software to deal with the momentum wheel issues that have affected its new satellites.
At present, one of the twelve next…
Globalstar has signed an agreement with the manufacturer of its second generation constellation, Thales Alenia Space, to develop software to deal with the momentum wheel issues that have affected its new satellites.
At present, one of the twelve next generation satellites that have been launched is not currently providing service due to an issue with two of its momentum wheels. There have also been momentum wheels issues on other satellites, particularly on the first batch that were launched in October 2010.
According to the agreement, Thales is to develop and provide the software necessary to adapt the in-flight configuration for the currently non-operational satellite, allowing it to return to service and continue to operate for its 15-year mission. Globalstar stated that this solution is ‘expected to be implemented in stages over the coming months and is intended to be available for other satellites, if they experience similar issues in the future.’
The last point is particularly salient given that Globalstar recently revealed in its third quarter results 2001 earnings call that the second batch of second generation satellites that were launched in July 2011 could also experience similar momentum wheel issues.
Tony Navarra, president of global operations for Globalstar, stated: “Thales recently informed us that there were indications that the momentum wheels on certain satellites launched in July could also experience anomalies. We will not proceed with our third or fourth launches without further assurances from Thales Alenia Space that we will not experience real issues with these satellites as we have with some of our previously launched satellites.”
Navarra then spoke in more detail regarding the issue during the investor Q&A session, “Prior to the second launch we felt we had under control all the known dynamic performance characteristics of the wheels and we had been informed by Thales and Goodrich that they understood the conditions by which the wheels operated in batch one and that we were flight worthy to launch the second batch, which was clearly why we choose to launch the satellites in July.
“Since those wheels have begun to perform, we’ve seen some increase in friction, in other words a performance that is a little out of family. And frankly, what we have been told now is that there may be an additional or a different failure that we have to watch very carefully. That is what we are going to do over the coming weeks.”
Navarra added that the company would need to make its decision on whether to go ahead with the December launch of the next batch of six satellites by the end of November.
Globalstar is also looking to order an additional six satellites from Thales under the 2006 second-generation constellation contract. However, its ability to do so will depend on the outcome of the arbitration hearing scheduled for 24 January 2012.
The two companies are at loggerheads over the state of the contract with Thales refusing to build the satellites as it claims the contract has been terminated. Globalstar, however, contends that it is still in place and Thales should be obliged to manufacture and deliver the second batch of satellites at a price in accordance with the amended and restated contract.
