On 15 November, Franco-Italian joint venture Alcatel Alenia Space is expected to sign a contract - potentially worth billions of euros - to become the prime contractor for 48 low Earth orbit (LEO) 500kg (1,100lb) communication satellites for mobile communication provider Globalstar.
Last week, the European satellite manufacturer announced its €7.7 million ($9.6 million) authorisation to proceed (ATP) agreement with Globalstar.
This will see Alcatel Alenia Space conduct a programme readiness review and develop milestones for Globalstar's second generation of satellites that will populate the 48-spacecraft constellation.
The constellation's 500kg, 1kW power satellites that Alcatel Alenia Space is to design, develop and deliver, will have a life span of 15 years while operating in LEO. The ATP will end when the constellation contract is signed in November.
Source: Flight International
