Space company Rocket Lab (Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) has successfully launched eight satellite platforms built for MDA (TSX:MDA) Space to replenish Globalstar’s existing communications constellation.
The satellites launched on 15 August from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9.12pm Eastern time, marking the first batch of 17 platforms Rocket Lab is building under a $143 million contract with MDA (TSX:MDA) Space.
Rocket Lab has established contact with all eight spacecraft and confirmed they are generating power and operating normally in orbit.
The satellites will now undergo commissioning before joining Globalstar’s network, which provides direct-to-device communications and internet of things applications from orbit.
The 500kg spacecraft are customised versions of Rocket Lab’s Lightning satellite platform and were built and tested at the company’s headquarters in Long Beach, California.
The Lightning platform is in production for multiple other high-profile missions, including programmes for the US Space Force and the Space Development Agency.
Each platform includes solar arrays, reaction wheels, flight and ground software, avionics and telemetry, tracking and command radios developed partly or entirely in-house.
MDA (TSX:MDA) Space, the Canadian space technology company, is the prime contractor for the programme to replenish Globalstar’s existing constellation and extend its mobile satellite services.
The launch moves the $143 million Globalstar replenishment programme into its operational phase.
It also extends Rocket Lab’s role beyond launch services into satellite design, manufacturing, testing and on-orbit operations as demand grows for large communications constellations.
The platforms were designed and manufactured by Rocket Lab in Long Beach, California, before MDA (TSX:MDA) Space carried out final assembly, integration and testing in Montréal.
Shares of Rocket Lab gained nearly 4.3% in the US on Monday.
