Satellite Update for Nov. 4, 2013

By Doug Lung
published

From FCC Report SAT-00975, “Satellite Space Applications Accepted for Filing:”

• EchoStar Satellite Operating Corporation filed to amend its request for regular authority to use EchoStar 6 at 96.2 degrees west longitude (WL) to correct polarization information provided on FCC Form 312. EchoStar plans to use 12.2-12.7 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 17.3-17.8 GHz (Earth-to-space) at that location.

From FCC Report SAT-00976, “Actions Taken:”

• The FCC International Bureau's Satellite Division granted, with conditions, Intelsat License LLC's request to modify its authorization for Intelsat 10 to operate it at 47.5 degrees east longitude (EL) instead of its currently authorized 68.5 degrees EL using 3700-4200 MHz, 11.45-11.70 GHz, and 12.25-12.75 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 5925-6425 MHz and 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space). The FCC authorized telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) necessary to maintain Intelsat 10 at 47.5 degrees EL using specified Ku-band frequencies.

• Intelsat received special temporary authority (STA) for 60 days to provide fixed satellite service (FSS) using Intelsat 701 in inclined orbit mode at 29.5 degrees WL using 3700-4200 MHz, 10.95-11.2 GHz, 11.45-11.70 GHz, 11.70-11.96 GHz, and 12.5-12.75 GHz frequency bands (space-to-Earth) and 5925-6425 MHz and 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space). TT&C is authorized on specified C-band frequencies.

• Intelsat was granted STA for 30 days to conduct TT&C on specified Ku-band frequencies necessary to drift Intelsat 16 from 58.1 degrees WL to 79.0 degrees WL.

• The Satellite Division granted Iridium Constellation LLC STA to continue to locate one of its spare satellites with another satellite in its orbital location. Iridium also received STA for 60 days to modify the operation of its “Big LEO” non-geostationary satellite orbit constellation to continue to operate satellite SV023 as a non-transmitting spare satellite approximately 300 km behind satellite SV094 at an altitude of approximately 770 km.

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.