DirecTV Enterprises LLC filed an application with the FCC requesting special temporary authority (STA) to locate the DIRECTV 9S satellite at 138 degrees West Longitude for in-orbit testing for 40 days starting Sept. 27, 2006 through Nov. 6, 2006, following its launch.
The FCC granted, with conditions, a Petition for Declaratory Ruling filed by Satélites Mexicanos SA to add its in-orbit C-band and Ku-band satellite SATMEX 6 to the FCC's "Permitted Space Station List." Earth stations with "ALSAT" designated as the point of communication are now allowed to provide fixed satellite services and Direct-to-Home service through SATMEX 6 to, from or within the United States using C and Ku-bands. DirecTV was given STA to leave the GALAXY 9 satellite at 90.9 degrees WL through and including Sept. 1, 2006. During this period GALAXY 9 will serve as an in-orbit spare with communications limited to tracking, telemetry, and command functions. Intelsat received STA allowing it to continue operating Intelsat 604 at 177.85 degrees East Longitude under the same conditions as its previous STA.
For additional information on SATMEX 6 authorizations and an FCC determination that DIRECTV Group Inc. has met certain milestones associated with its authorization for a Ka-band satellite, call sign S2641, which would serve as a partial replacement for its SPACEWAY 1 satellite at 103 degrees WL, see FCC Report SAT-00379. For copies of applications and FCC grants, visit the FCC My IBFS Web site.
