WASHINGTON — Amazon has filed plans with the Federal Communications Commission for a constellation of more than 5,100 satellites that would provide direct-to-device (D2D) services using Globalstar spectrum.

In an application filed with the FCC late July 24, Amazon sought permission to deploy a constellation of 5,105 satellites in low Earth orbit providing services directly to smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices using spectrum bands at 1.6 and 2.4 gigahertz.

“The Amazon Leo D2D System will provide global mobile network connectivity services and will supplement and expand on Amazon’s authorized satellite systems by enabling service directly to users’ mobile devices, including in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable,” the company said in its filing.

The system, the company added, would enable it “to deliver reliable and accessible connectivity — including mobile data, text messaging, emergency communications, in-vehicle connectivity and IoT applications — across geographies and service conditions.”

The satellites would operate at altitudes of 510, 540, 560, 570 and 580 kilometers, with inclinations of between about 56 and 84 degrees. The filing includes orbital slots for more than 11,000 satellites, but the company said the constellation would not exceed 5,105 satellites.

The satellites would primarily operate in bands at 1.6 and 2.4 gigahertz, using spectrum assigned to Globalstar. Amazon announced in April it reached an agreement to acquire Globalstar for about $11 billion. That transaction is expected to close in 2027. The company is also seeking permission to use some additional spectrum in the 1.5 and 1.6 gigahertz bands outside the United States.

The satellites would use Ka- and V-band spectrum for links to gateways and for tracking, telemetry and control.

The filings provided few technical details about the proposed satellites beyond the spectrum they would use. The spacecraft would have lifetimes of six to eight years. They would be launched into parking orbits at altitudes of 440 kilometers and use onboard propulsion to move to their operational orbits. The satellites would also lower their orbits at the end of their lives to an altitude of 360 kilometers, where they would then deorbit naturally in about two months.

The Amazon D2D satellites would operate in conjunction with Globalstar’s existing satellites as well as new satellites under development, and also with its Amazon Leo broadband constellation.

“Amazon Leo will maximize the efficiency of its systems by orchestrating traffic across the Amazon Leo Systems and Amazon Leo D2D System satellites, and by operating in concert with the HIBLEO and C-3 systems acquired from Globalstar,” the company said. “Together, these elements will create a satellite architecture designed to bring reliable connectivity directly to a variety of user devices.”

Amazon said its plans are “fully consistent” with an FCC order in April on D2D services that confirmed the rights both Globalstar and Iridium had to spectrum. That order rebuffed efforts by several companies, including SpaceX, seeking access to that spectrum.

Rocket Lab announced June 29 a deal to acquire Iridium for $8 billion. Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s chief executive, said he was interested in using Iridium’s system, including its globally harmonized spectrum, for both its existing applications and for “a lot of extra things,” which he did not disclose.