COVINGTON, La., Aug. 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Globalstar, Inc. (NYSE MKT:GSAT) and its partner, ADS-B Technologies, LLC announced today that NASA Langley has selected ALAS space-based ADS-B technology for its two-way communications requirements relative to ongoing R&D work at the Langley Research Center. ALAS is a simple, low cost peripheral that is designed to be compatible with virtually any ADS-B avionics installation. It also does not interfere with the aircraft's normal ADS-B transmissions.
NASA requires two-way voice and data communications via Globalstar's newest satellite network as well as technical support for the installation, operation, maintenance, modification and training for the ALAS system. The ALAS system is the only compatible system with and complementary to the existing Globalstar voice, data, and subscription services that NASA Langley has previously purchased. ALAS was primarily chosen due to the proof of concept of the technology and available data speeds.
Globalstar recently completed its latest ALAS test flight across Canada, the majority of which is not covered by radar or terrestrial ADS-B, and to date has documented over 13,000 air miles utilizing its technology. A 7,000-mile demonstration from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico and back was completed in September 2014.
"We are extremely pleased with the continued demonstrations of ALAS and the forthcoming partnership with NASA," said Skip Nelson, President of ADS-B Technologies. "With the additional 36 hours from our recent Trans-Canada flight, we now have almost 100 flight hours of data demonstrating ALAS performance reporting aircraft position every second during a flight. ALAS is also a more secure form of ADS-B, since the nature of the L-Band transmission and the antenna pattern make the aircraft's ADS-B position reports virtually impossible to intercept, jam or deceive."
"ALAS is a reliable, economical flight tracking solution and we look forward to working with aviation interests such as NASA to further leverage this innovative technology," said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar. "With our unique architecture and scalable capacity, the ALAS system is able to track aircraft effectively and consistently, second by second."
For more information on ALAS, please visit Globalstar.com/ADS-B.
About Globalstar, Inc.
Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services, leveraging the world's newest satellite network. Customers around the world in industries like government, emergency management, marine, logging, oil & gas and outdoor recreation rely on Globalstar to conduct business smarter and faster, maintain peace of mind and access emergency personnel. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications. The Company's products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, the innovative Sat-Fi satellite hotspot, Simplex and Duplex satellite data modems, tracking devices and flexible service packages. For more information, visit www.globalstar.com.
Note that all SPOT products described in this press release are the products of SPOT LLC, which is not affiliated in any manner with Spot Image of Toulouse, France or Spot Image Corporation of Chantilly, Virginia. For more information, visit www.globalstar.com.
About ADS-B Technologies, LLC
Founded in 2004, this privately held Anchorage, Alaska based company specializes in just one thing – Commercial Engineering and Consulting services related to the development and deployment of ADS-B and its companion technologies. ADS-B Technologies was the first company to successfully demonstrate 978MHz ADS-B on both the Asian and African continents and today, continues to work worldwide assisting its clients in the employment of this new technology. For more information visit www.ads-b.com.