Satellite Update - Dec. 22, 2009

By Doug Lung
published

From FCC Report SAT-00655 [PDF]:

  • • The FCC accepted an application from Satellite CD Radio, Inc. to modify its authorization for the FM-1, FM-2, and FM-3 non-geostationary satellite orbit system in order to extend the license term by seven years, through Feb. 11, 2017, and to de-orbit these three satellites at the end of their useful life.
  • • Sirius XM Radio requested special temporary authority (STA) for a period of 180 days to operate 25 terrestrial repeaters with an effective radiated isotropically radiated power (EIRP) of up to 2,000 watts at specified locations throughout the United States. The repeaters operate within the 2320-2345 MHz band assigned for Sirius XM Radio's exclusive use for Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS). [If you are wondering why Sirius XM Radio applications for STA for terrestrial repeaters keep showing up in these updates, it's because there is no provision in the FCC rules for longer-term licensed terrestrial repeaters in SDARS. As a result, Sirius XM Radio must renew their STA for terrestrial repeaters every 180 days.]


From FCC Report SAT-00656 [PDF]:

  • • DirecTV Enterprises LLC received FCC authority to construct and launch its 17/24 GHz Broadcasting-Satellite Service (BSS) geostationary orbit space station DirecTV RB-2A at the 102.765 degree west longitude (WL) orbital location. DirecTV RB-2A is scheduled to be launched this month. DirecTV also received authority to construct, launch and operate a Ka-band geostationary orbit satellite DirecTV 12 at the same location, 102.765 degrees WL, using the 18.3-18.8 GHz and 19.7-20.2 GHz bands (space-to-Earth) and the 28.35-28.6 GHz and 29.5-30.0 GHz bands (Earth-to-space) to provide Fixed-Satellite-Service (FSS).
  • • PanAmSat received STA for 30 days, commencing Dec. 17, 2009, to drift Intelsat 1R from 45.0 degrees WL to 50.0 degrees WL and to temporarily operate the satellite at that location. PanAmSat was also authorized to conduct telemetry, tracking and command operations with Intelsat 1R using 13.995 and 14.4895 GHz (Earth-to-space) and 11.696 an 11.697 GHz (space-to-Earth).
  • • Sirius XM Radio received STA for multiple terrestrial repeaters, including a repeater with an EIRP of 1,000 watts at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas for the upcoming 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show.
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.