Satellite Update

By Doug Lung
published

PanAmSat filed an application to move Galaxy 12 from 125.1 degrees west longitude (WL) to 122.9 degrees WL and conduct telemetry, tracking and command operations at that location using the frequencies 6424.5 MHz for command and 4199.875 MHz for telemetry. After the satellite is relocated, PanAmSat is requesting permission to operate it as an in-orbit spare. PanAmSat requested a waiver of the rule specifying that space stations must discharge all stored energy sources at end-of-life of the space station. From FCC Report SAT-00540.

The FCC granted an application from PanAmSat to operate C and Ku-band satellite Galaxy 11 at the 32.80 degree east longitude (EL) orbital location. Galaxy 11 is authorized to operate in the 3700-4200 MHz, 5825-6425 MHz, 10.95-11.2 GHz, 11.7-12.2 GHz, 13.75-14.0 GHz and 14.0-14.5 GHz frequency bands.

EchoStar Satellite Operations LLC withdrew its application for special temporary authority (STA) to (1) modify the authorized orbital location of the EchoStar 2 satellite from 148 degrees WL to 77.15 degrees WL, where it would be operated by QuetzSat, S. de R.L. de C.V. (QuetzSat) as a Mexican-licensed satellite; and (2) to perform telemetry, tracking and command operations in extended C-band frequencies using two earth stations during the relocation of the satellite.

These actions are listed in FCC Report SAT-00541.

Doug Lung
Doug Lung

Doug Lung is one of America's foremost authorities on broadcast RF technology. As vice president of Broadcast Technology for NBCUniversal Local, H. Douglas Lung leads NBC and Telemundo-owned stations’ RF and transmission affairs, including microwave, radars, satellite uplinks, and FCC technical filings. Beginning his career in 1976 at KSCI in Los Angeles, Lung has nearly 50 years of experience in broadcast television engineering. Beginning in 1985, he led the engineering department for what was to become the Telemundo network and station group, assisting in the design, construction and installation of the company’s broadcast and cable facilities. Other projects include work on the launch of Hawaii’s first UHF TV station, the rollout and testing of the ATSC mobile-handheld standard, and software development related to the incentive auction TV spectrum repack.
A longtime columnist for TV Technology, Doug is also a regular contributor to IEEE Broadcast Technology. He is the recipient of the 2023 NAB Television Engineering Award. He also received a Tech Leadership Award from TV Tech publisher Future plc in 2021 and is a member of the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society and the Society of Broadcast Engineers.