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How Will HIBLEO-4 Strengthen Globalstar's LEO Network?

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Globalstar, Inc.GSAT is advancing the development of its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network through the deployment of its HIBLEO-4 satellite replenishment mission. In May 2026, the company announced plans to launch the HIBLEO-4 replenishment satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance its current-generation satellite constellation. The mission is designed to replenish Globalstar's existing LEO network and support the continued delivery of satellite communications services worldwide.

The HIBLEO-4 satellites are intended to strengthen the resilience and reliability of Globalstar's satellite infrastructure. By replenishing the existing constellation, the company aims to ensure the continued performance of its network and maintain dependable connectivity across its range of satellite communication services. Management highlighted that the launch is an important step in sustaining the infrastructure that customers rely on daily and emphasized that constellation replenishment remains a key component of the company's long-term strategy.

The mission forms part of Globalstar's broader investment in satellite network development. Alongside the HIBLEO-4 replenishment effort, the company continues to advance its overall constellation roadmap. Globalstar expects replacement satellites for its second-generation constellation to be launched in 2026 while also progressing development of its third-generation, or C-3, constellation. The planned C-3 network, consisting of more than 50 satellites, is designed to expand network capacity, improve service durability and support growing demand across direct-to-device, Internet of Things (IoT), enterprise, government and defense applications.

Globalstar stated that the HIBLEO-4 mission is focused on reinforcing the company's current-generation LEO constellation to support ongoing network resilience and service reliability. Although the launch originally scheduled for May 17, 2026, was postponed to provide additional preparation time for the satellites, the company stated that the mission's objective remains unchanged. Through continued investment in replenishment satellites and next-generation network development, Globalstar is working to maintain reliable global connectivity across its satellite communications ecosystem.

Taking a Look at Globalstar's Competitors

AST SpaceMobile, Inc.ASTS expands its BlueBird satellite constellation through new deployments and production efforts to support direct-to-smartphone connectivity and broader global coverage. Management is developing AI edge computing and spectrum management features intended for integration into next-generation BlueBird satellites in production by year-end.  The company is expected to benefit from the recent collaborations with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile US, which focus on satellite-based mobile connectivity. Strong liquidity supports satellite deployment, technology investment and early commercialization plans.

Iridium Communications' IRDM is gaining from momentum across its recurring service revenue model, rising IoT subscribers and government deals. Its new TriMode 9604 module, set for a June launch, combines satellite IoT, cellular IoT and GPS in a compact, low-cost solution that is driving strong partner interest while streamlining legacy services and reducing long-term sustainment costs. Engineering and support revenue are gaining from rapid SDA work and national security demand. For 2026, service revenue is expected to be flat to up 2%, reflecting continued IoT growth offset by moderation elsewhere, following 2025 service revenue of $634 million.

GSAT Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates

Shares of Globalstar have gained 238% in a year compared with the Zacks Satellite and Communication industry's growth of 229.8%.

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From a valuation standpoint, GSAT trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) of 31.96X, higher than the industry's 3.15X.

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GSAT's earnings for 2026 has been revised significantly downward over the past 60 days.

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Zacks Investment Research


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Globalstar currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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Iridium Communications Inc (IRDM) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Globalstar, Inc. (GSAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) : Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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