Satellite Update – April 26, 2012

By Doug Lung
published


From FCC Report SAT-00860, Satellite Space Applications Accepted for Filing:

  • • DirecTV Enterprises LLC filed applications to modify its authorizations for 17/24 GHz satellites DirecTV RB-1 at 99.235 degrees west longitude (WL) and DirecTV RB-2 at 102.825 degrees WL. The modifications demonstrate compliance with the technical rules and information requirements adopted in FCC 11-93, 26 FCC Rcd 8927 (2011). Both applications request a partial waiver of Section 25.264(a) (4) of the FCC rules (measurement frequencies). 95 License Subsidiary LLC filed a similar application to modify its application for a 17/24 GHz Broadcasting Satellite Service satellite at 95.15 degrees WL for the same compliance demonstration, but did not request a waiver of the measurement frequencies rule.


This information is from FCC Report SAT-00861, Actions Taken:

  • • The FCC granted special temporary authority (STA) to EchoStar Satellite Operating Corporation allowing it to continue to operate EchoStar 15 on DBS channels 23 and 24 at 61.55 degrees WL for 180 days. EchoStar also received STA for 60 days to continue to operate EchoStar 6 at 76.95 degrees WL on DBS channels 1-32 using 17.3-17.8 GHz (Earth-to-space) and 12.2-12.7 GHz (space-to-Earth). TT&C was authorized near the edges of these bands.
  • • Intelsat Licensee LLC received STA for 30 days to operate telemetry, tracking and telecommand (TT&C) necessary to drift Intelsat 706 from 72.1 degrees east longitude (EL) to 177.9 degrees EL using specified C-band frequencies.
  • • The FCC International Bureau's Satellite Division granted Intelsat STA for 60 days to continue to provide fixed-satellite service from 129.0 degrees WL on a temporary basis using conventional C-band frequencies. Intelsat also received authority to continue to operate TT&C necessary to maintain Galaxy 12 at 129.0 degrees WL using specified C-band frequencies.
  • • The International Bureau determined New Skies Satellites B.V. met the launch and operation milestone associated with the market access grant for the SES-4 space station at the 22 degrees WL.


From FCC Report SAT-00859:

  • • The Satellite Division granted a petition filed by Telesat Canada to add the 29.4-29.9 GHz (Earth-to-space) and 19.7-20.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) of ANIK F3 to the Commission's Ka-band Permitted Space Station List at 118.7 degrees WL. Any U.S. licensed earth station with "ALSAT" designated as a point of communication now has authority to provided fixed-satellite service (FSS) to, from, or within the United States by accessing ANIK F3. However U.S.-licensees are not allowed to communicate with ANIK F3 using 19.7-20.2 GHz until Telesat Canada has completed coordination and both the FCC and NTIA have approved the coordination.
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.