# Globalstar third generation

> 3rd generation of Globalstar communications satellites

**Wikidata**: [Q136806816](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136806816)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/globalstar-third-generation

## Summary
Globalstar third generation is a spacecraft constellation operated by Globalstar, designed to serve as the third iteration of the company's communications satellites. It functions as an artificial satellite system specifically engineered for telecommunications relay. The constellation utilizes the Lightning spacecraft bus and is manufactured by MDA Space and Rocket Lab.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** Globalstar
- **Classification:** Instance of a spacecraft constellation; subclass of communications satellite.
- **Also Known As:** Globalstar 3rd generation.
- **Manufacturers:** MDA Space and Rocket Lab.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Lightning.
- **Primary Function:** Satellite communication (telecommunications relay).
- **Category:** Spacecraft type / Artificial satellite.

## FAQs
### Q: Who manufactures the Globalstar third generation satellites?
A: The satellites are manufactured by MDA Space and Rocket Lab.

### Q: What spacecraft bus is used for the Globalstar third generation?
A: This generation of satellites utilizes the Lightning spacecraft bus.

### Q: What type of satellite is the Globalstar third generation?
A: It is a communications satellite and a spacecraft constellation designed to relay telecommunication signals.

### Q: How does the Globalstar third generation fit within the broader category of communications satellites?
A: It is a specific instance of a communications satellite, a classification defined as an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications, distinguishable from weather, navigation, or observation satellites.

## Why It Matters
The Globalstar third generation represents the continued evolution of mobile satellite voice and data services. As a communications satellite constellation, it addresses the critical need for global connectivity in regions where terrestrial infrastructure is absent or impractical. By acting as a relay station in space, it overcomes the limitations imposed by the Earth's curvature, enabling real-time communication for commercial, government, and emergency applications. The selection of the Lightning bus and manufacturers like Rocket Lab and MDA Space highlights a modern approach to satellite deployment, potentially increasing reliability and data capacity for the Globalstar network.

## Notable For
- **Third Iteration:** Represents the third specific generation in the lineage of Globalstar satellite technology.
- **Bus Technology:** Distinguished by its use of the Lightning spacecraft bus platform.
- **Manufacturing Collaboration:** Notable for its joint manufacturing by MDA Space and Rocket Lab.
- **Constellation Architecture:** Functions as a connected constellation rather than a solitary geostationary satellite, a design shared by systems like Iridium NEXT.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
The **Globalstar third generation** (also known as Globalstar 3rd generation) is formally defined as a spacecraft constellation. It is a specific instance and subclass of the broader entity **communications satellite**. Like all entities in this class, it is an artificial satellite of the Earth designed specifically for telecommunications. Its primary function is satellite communication, acting as a space-based repeater that receives signals from one point on Earth and relays them to another.

### Technical Specifications
The technical architecture of the Globalstar third generation relies on specific manufacturing and platform partnerships:
- **Spacecraft Bus:** The satellites are built upon the **Lightning** bus, a platform designed to support the satellite's mission operations.
- **Manufacturers:** The development and construction of the constellation are attributed to **MDA Space** and **Rocket Lab**.

### Operator and Context
The system is operated by **Globalstar**, a company that maintains a constellation of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites. In the context of global satellite infrastructure, the Globalstar third generation contributes to a diverse landscape of communications systems. This landscape includes military systems (such as the United States' AEHF and the UK's Skynet), national civilian systems (such as Canada's Anik and India's GSAT), and other commercial constellations (such as Iridium NEXT and Hot Bird).

### Nature of the Technology
As a communications satellite, the Globalstar third generation shares the fundamental characteristics of its classification:
- **Function:** It facilitates television, telephone, radio, internet, and military data transmission.
- **Symbolism:** The entity falls under the category represented by the Unicode character 🛰.
- **Strategic Importance:** It serves as foundational technology for global connectivity, solving long-distance communication problems without the need for physical cables.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/globalstar-3.htm)