MDA Secures $1.1 Billion Contract to Build Satellites for Globalstar's Apple-Backed Network
The deal will produce over 50 satellites for a next-generation low Earth orbit constellation, with Apple investing $1.7 billion and taking a 20% equity stake in Globalstar.
- MDA will manufacture more than 50 Aurora satellites for Globalstar under a C$1.1 billion contract, expanding the company's satellite production capacity in Quebec.
- Apple has committed $1.7 billion to Globalstar, including a 20% equity stake, to develop a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation for enhanced mobile satellite services.
- The new satellites will use MDA's reprogrammable Aurora platform, capable of optimizing communication routes and adapting to various orbital configurations.
- Globalstar's current satellite network supports emergency SOS services for iPhones, with plans to expand capabilities to voice and broadband services in the future.
- The deal positions Globalstar and Apple to compete with SpaceX's Starlink and other LEO satellite providers in the growing direct-to-mobile connectivity market.