Despite fears that Globalstar will be another Iridium, Schwartz's business model may suggest a brighter fate.
Schwartz may wish Iridium didn't matter, but it does: Its descent has pulled down Globalstar, too.
The third is Globalstar, an operator that hesitantly began operations only at the end of 1999.
Third, Globalstar phones have three modes: analog cell, digital cell (Qualcomm's CDMA) and satellite.
This flight is intended to put in orbit six satellites for the Globalstar satellite phone company.
The vehicle successfully put six spacecraft in orbit for US satellite phone and data company, Globalstar.
To remain in contact with its satellites, Globalstar may require up to 60 ground stations.
If Samara's grand scheme does end in financial meltdown, he'll be in distinguished company: Iridium and Globalstar.
It is unfair to lump Globalstar--which began marketing only this year--with the failed Iridium and ICO Global.
Last week's Soyuz was a type 2.1b, compared with the 2.1a version used for the Globalstar mission.
Unlike Globalstar, which has 52 satellites aloft, and Iridium, with 66, Inmarsat has only 9 satellites in orbit.
Globalstar has its roots in a 1989 plan at Ford Motor Co. to use satellites to aid motorists.
Instead of targeting individual customers, such as adventure travelers, as did Iridium, Globalstar is focusing on business users.
If Samara's grand scheme ends in financial meltdown, at least he'll have some distinguished company, like Iridium and Globalstar.
Despite his partners' caution, Schwartz, never short on bluster, insists Globalstar can sign up 3 million users in three years.
He plans to preview the system to his investors in September, staging lots of telephone calls via Globalstar's 48-satellite network.
Globalstar USA, the service provider for the U.S., also made a smart move in outsourcing its sales through a reseller channel.
Despite Globalstar's earnings disappointment last spring, the company still appears to be the best positioned to survive in this troubled sector.
"I spend every waking minute being 180 degrees opposite" from Iridium, says Andrew Radlow, marketing chief at Airtouch Satellite, Globalstar's U.S. provider.
First, the Globalstar system is 1, 300 kilometers up, versus Inmarsat's 36, 209 kilometers.
They also bailed on toy maker RC2 and satellite communications company Globalstar.
Iridium's regional investors want it to act more like a service provider, and new chief John Richardson has set prices similar to Globalstar's.
One reason is that O3b has been able to learn from the mistakes made by previous projects, such as Globalstar, Iridium and Teledesic.
Globalstar recognizes that since cellular service is so hot, its satellite service should be auxiliary and used primarily when there is no other option.
Although the survivors, Globalstar and Iridium, have long since refocused, they set out to sell their services mainly to consumers and businesses in rich countries.
Even a revamped Iridium will pursue the same customers as Globalstar.
But Globalstar, Iridium's main rival, is making a concerted effort to differentiate itself from its failing competitor in a manner that's both quick and smart.
Globalstar distinguishes itself from Iridium in technology as well as personality.
The theme: Globalstar has the right technology with the right marketing.
Wednesday's successful outing will come as a huge relief for Globalstar.
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