Globalstar has reported that six new second-generation Globalstar satellites were successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Globalstar satellites lifted off aboard the Soyuz launch vehicle with the Fregat upper stage at 10:04 p.m. local Baikonur time (16:04 p.m. UTC and 11:04 a.m. EST) on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.

Launch services provider Arianespace confirmed that the upper stage accurately injected the six second-generation satellites into their targeted low earth orbit of approximately 920 km.

Globalstar reports that all six satellites have been successfully acquired following separation from the Dispenser and Fregat Upper Stage. Globalstar has begun initial satellite in-orbit testing and all six spacecraft are operating normally at this time.

"I am pleased to announce the successful final launch of our second-generation constellation," said Tony Navarra, President of Global Operations for Globalstar, Inc.

"In 2006, we set out to be the first mobile satellite services company to successfully deploy a second-generation constellation of LEO satellites. This extraordinary undertaking took years of dedicated effort and a singularly focused mindset to complete the mission."

Jay Monroe, CEO of Globalstar, Inc., added, "We fully expect Duplex service to be restored to the high level of quality that Globalstar customers historically enjoyed. We thank all of our employees and partners who were able to make this successful launch possible, including launch services provider Arianespace and satellite contractor Thales Alenia Space."

Globalstar expects to place these final six second-generation satellites into commercial service by this summer, with the first two being raised and placed into service by the end of February. These new satellites are designed to last for 15 years, twice the lifespan of Globalstar's first-generation satellites.

The Globalstar second-generation satellite constellation is designed to support the Company's current lineup of voice, duplex and simplex data products and services, including its SPOT-branded consumer products which have initiated over 2,000 rescues worldwide.

Globalstar has always been known for its crystal clear, "land-line quality" voice service and for a limited time, is offering unlimited service plans for as little as $40 per month.