The nominal 26 satellite constellation will be deployed by 1997, with the potential for an additional 8 satellite plane and two more polar orbiters depending on demands for increased coverage. The vehicles will be controlled from a single control centre located in Dulles, Virginia. A small forerunner vehicle, Orbcomm-X, was launched in 1991 as a feasibility demonstration. This vehicle had a different design than the operational vehicles and will not be included in the operational system. Circular disk shaped spacecraft.
Circular panels hinge from each side after launch to expose solar cells.
These panels articulate in 1-axis to track the sun and provide 160W. Deployed spacecraft measures 3.6 m from end to end with 2.3 m span across the circular disks. VHF telemetry at 57.6 kbps. On-board GPS navigation and timing system.14 volt power system. Gravity gradient stabilisation provides 5 degrees control with magnetic torquers for damping. Designed to handle 50,000 messages per hour.