The brief

Analyst view

• First launched 48 satellites in 2000; completed a second-generation constellation (25 satellites) starting in 2010 for improved coverage.
• Apple holds 20% equity stake and committed up to $1.5 billion in funding for C-3 constellation, which will serve iPhone satellite messaging.
• C-3 will feature 48 new satellites at 1,414 km altitude with ~90 tracking antennas for robust indoor coverage.

Technical approach

As reported

Constellation

LEO satellites in polar orbit

LEO at 1,414 km serves continents with few satellites; low latency for voice and data.

Ground network

Distributed antenna system

Ground stations relay signals between satellites and Earth, enabling continuous coverage as satellites orbit.

Direct-to-device

iPhone satellite messaging

Apple integrated Globalstar's network into iPhones for emergency SOS and text when cellular is unavailable.

Signal power

Higher-power downlinks in C-3

C-3 satellites transmit with higher effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) to reach phones in buildings and vehicles where signal is weaker.

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