Satellite Update

PanAmSat Licensee Corp. asked the FCC to modify its license for Galaxy 11 to change its authorized orbital location from 91.0 degrees west longitude (WL) to 32.80 degrees and operate it in the 10.95–11.2 GHz and 13.75–14.0 GHz bands in addition to conventional C and Ku bands. PanAmSat said it intends to operate Galaxy 11 in the 11.7–12.2 GHz band on a non-harmful interference basis to provide broadcasting satellite service (BSS) operations in Region 1 (Europe/Africa). It would also be used to provide backup capacity for the Intelsat 802 satellite, which is operating at 32.9 degrees WL. Intelsat 802 experienced an anomaly that has reduced its available solar power array power.

AtContact Communications LLC requested authority to relocate its authorized satellite at 121 degrees WL to 115.2 degrees WL and continue to operate it in its authorized 28.6–29.1 GHz (uplink) and 18.8–19.3 GHz (downlink) frequency bands. Both PanAmSat and AtContact requested waivers of Section 25.114(d)(3), which requires predicted antenna gain contour plots. From FCC Report SAT-00517.

The FCC extended the milestone for New ICO Satellite Services G.P. To launch ICO G-1 to the 92.85 degree WL orbital location from Nov. 30, 2007 to April 15, 2008 and extended the final milestone for New ICO to certify its entire system is operational from Dec. 31, 2007 to May 15, 2008. As previously reported, the FCC will not require New ICO to offer commercial services by the final milestone date. ICO G-1 will operate in the 2000–2020 MHz and 2180–2200 MHz frequency bands as well as the 29.25–30.0 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 18.55–18.8/19.7–20.2 GHz (Earth-to-space) frequency bands.

On-station Tracking, Telemetry and Control transmissions will use 29.9955 GHz and 29.9995 GHz (command) and 20.1965 GHz and 20.1985 GHz (telemetry). ICO-G1 is authorized to operate at 92.85 degrees W.L.

In other actions, the FCC granted EchoStar Satellite Operating LLC an extension of its special temporary authorization to continue to operate EchoStar 6, subject to the conditions specified in the original authorization. From FCC Report SAT-00518.