MDA SPACE AND GLOBALSTAR COMPLETE INITIAL ON-ORBIT FUNCTIONAL TESTS FOR GLOBALSTAR 2-R MISSION
Final integration stages are also complete for the remaining nine satellites on order for Globalstar.
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Rhea-AI Summary
MDA Space (MDA) confirmed that all eight satellites in the first Globalstar 2-R launch have completed initial functional tests. Launched on August 15, they are part of 17 replenishment satellites for Globalstar's existing low Earth orbit constellation. Payload health checks are underway, and electric orbit raising has begun for the first two satellites.
Globalstar and MDA Space are testing payload and satellite-platform functions as orbital planes align for the remaining six. Orbit raising will continue with support from Rocket Lab, which designed, built and commissioned the platforms, before final-orbit maneuvers. MDA Space also recently completed the final integration stages for the remaining nine satellites on order.
Positive
- Minor pointEight Globalstar 2-R satellites successfully completed initial functional tests following their August 15 launch.
- Minor pointElectric orbit raising has begun for the first two satellites.
- Minor pointNine remaining satellites on order recently completed final integration stages at MDA Space.
Negative
- None.
Details
Market move: RKLB -7.85% vs previous close. on-orbit test completion
On Nov 10, the day this news came out, the latest delayed price for RKLB is 7.85% below the previous close. Our momentum scanner has recorded 17 alerts for this stock so far that day. The latest delayed price is $54.24. Relative volume is very high at 3.9x what this stock usually trades by this time of day.
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Key Figures
- Satellites completing initial tests
- 8 satellites
- Initial functional tests passed; payload health checks underway
- Mission satellite total
- 17 satellites
- Both sets destined to replenish Globalstar's constellation
- Satellites beginning orbit raising
- 2 satellites
- Electric orbit raising has begun
- Remaining satellites integrated
- 9 satellites
- Final integration stages recently completed
Key Terms
low earth orbit technical
electric orbit raising technical
iot technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
First set of eight satellites launched on August 15 have passed initial functional tests and payload health checks are underway.
"From the assembly, integration and testing of Globalstar 2-R satellites to the launch campaign and post-launch activities, we have accomplished multiple mission firsts with fine-tuned skill and agility," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "As prime contractor for this critical commercial communications constellation, our full focus remains on continued execution and the delivery to our customer."
Orbit raising for all satellites of the first set will continue with the support of Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), which designed, built and commissioned the satellite platforms, to reach the last testing altitude before they are maneuvered to their final orbit. The final stages of integration were recently completed at MDA Space in
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects MDA Space's current expectations regarding future events. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, orbit raising of the satellites and its duration, the maneuvering of satellites into their final orbit, and integration of the delivered satellites into Globalstar's existing LEO constellation. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by MDA Space in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of MDA Space to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including without limitation the risks and uncertainties detailed under the "Risk Factors" section of MDA Space's annual information form dated March 4, 2026 and MDA Space's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, each of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Although MDA Space believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. There are a number of additional risks and uncertainties affecting or that could affect MDA Space, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those described in, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information included within this news release. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA Space is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ABOUT MDA SPACE
Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA; NYSE:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global defence and space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The global MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission—bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that's been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we'll take you there. For more information, visit mda.space.
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SOURCE MDA Space
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