Satellite Update – June 5, 2009

From FCC Report SAT-00608:

XM Radio Inc. requested authority to launch and operate a new Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) satellite, designated XM-5 at 82.5 degrees west longitude (WL) for use as an in-orbit space for both the Sirius Radio and XM Radio SDARS systems. The XM-5 satellite uplink frequencies are in the 7050.5 to 7072.5 MHz band.

From FCC Report SAT-00607:

EchoStar received special temporary authority (STA) to operate its EchoStar 12 satellite using DBS Channels 23 and 24 at 61.5 degrees WL for a period of 180 days, starting March 31, 2009. The FCC granted STA for EchoStar to conduct telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) operations with the EchoStar 5 satellite to move it from 129 degrees WL to 147.925 degrees WL. The STA is valid for 60 days, commencing May 16, 2009. EchoStar was also allowed to operate EchoStar 5 under STA at 147.925 degrees WL using DBS channels 1-32 under temporary authority. DirecTV received STA allowing it to conduct the TT&C functions needed to execute end-of-life maneuvers to boost DirecTV 3 into a disposal orbit above the geostationary arc.

Read all of Doug Lung’s RF Report.