Satellite Update

TerreStar Networks requested several changes to its 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service system. The changes include use of a larger 2 GHz service antenna; increased EIRP for 2 GHz downlinks; more 2 GHz spot beams; different air-interface protocols; and use of 2 GHz frequencies for transmission of calibration signals between the satellite and fixed earth stations in the United States and Canada. TerreStar also requested frequencies in the 10.7-10.95 GHz, 11.2-11.45 GHz and 12.75-13.25 GHz bands for feeder links, telemetry, tracking and control transmissions, and pilot and beacon signals between the satellite and gateway earth stations. TerreStar requested use of 13.7505 GHz and 13.7525 GHz for transfer orbit and emergency telecommand transmissions. In addition to the new spectrum, TerreStar requested permission to change the location of the satellite from 107.3 degrees west longitude to 111.1 degrees WL, with fluctuating orbital inclination and increased satellite mass and electrical power. These requests require waivers of several FCC rules. See FCC Report SAT-00461 for details.

The FCC granted Intelsat North America LLC's request to modify INTELSAT 602 to operate on C-band frequencies 3625-4200 MHz and 5850-6425 MHz and Ku-band frequencies 10.95-11.2 GHz, 11.45-11.7 GHz and 14.0-14.5 GHz at 157 degrees east longitude. The satellite will operate in an inclined orbit. DirecTV was granted special temporary authority to operate the DirecTV 10 satellite at 102.6 degrees WL after launch and conduct in-orbit testing using uplink frequency bands 29.250-29.500 GHz and 28.350-28.600 GHz and downlink frequency band 18.300-18.800 GHz, for 30 days commencing Aug. 10, 2007. DirecTV is authorized to use 29.251 GHz, 29.493 GHz, 18.30025 GHz and 18.30075 GHz to conduct telemetry, tracking and control operations necessary to maintain the satellite at that location and to drift it to its assigned orbital location at 102.8 degrees WL after in orbit testing is completed. STA SAT-STA-20070716-00101, issued to XM Radio Inc., was withdrawn July 25, 2007.