Globalstar Delays Satellite Launches

Globalstar said the start of its satellite-based telecommunications services will be delayed because further testing is needed on equipment that will monitor its satellites. The additional testing will push back the launch of the first four satellites in Globalstar’s planned orbiting network to February, about two months later than scheduled. That delay will put off the scheduled launches of the other 40 satellites set for next year. As a result, Globalstar customers will wait until the first quarter of 1999 for the voice and data communications services, which were supposed to be available in late 1998. Globalstar, based in New York, is owned by several satellite and telecommunications companies, including Loral Space & Communications Ltd., Qualcomm Inc., Alcatel Alsthom and Hyundai Corp.