Satellite Update for Oct. 7, 2013

By Doug Lung
published

From FCC Report SAT-00974: “Satellite Space Applications Accepted for Filing:”

• DirecTV Enterprises, LLC requested modification of the technical characteristics of its authority to launch and operate DirecTV KU-79W using 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) at 79.0 degrees west longitude (WL) to conform to the satellite construction contract it executed. The changes include deletion of a downlink beam serving the continental United States in order to optimize a beam covering the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. DirecTV also requested a change of its orbital location from 79.0 degrees WL to 78.8 degrees WL and authority to construct and launch a Broadcasting Satellite Service (BSS) payload on DirecTV KU-79W in the 17.3-17.8 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 24.75-25.25 GHz (Earth-to-space) frequency bands. DirecTV did not seek operational authority for this 17/24 GHz BSS payload at 78.8 degrees.

• Intelsat License LLC requested special temporary authority (STA) for 180 days to continue to: (1) provide Fixed-Satellite Service via Galaxy 11 at the 55.6 degrees W.L. orbital location in the 10.95-11.20 GHz and 11.7-12.2 GHz frequency bands (space-to-Earth), and the 13.75-14.50 GHz frequency band (Earth-to-space); and (2) conduct telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) functions necessary to maintain Galaxy 11 at 55.6 degrees WL using specified Ku-band frequencies.

• Iridium Constellation LLC requested modification of its license to operate a constellation of non-geostationary-orbit Mobile Satellite Service satellites to allow it to operate additional satellites in tandem with existing satellites that become partially impaired. Iridium satellites use 1617.775-1626.5 MHz (service link), 19.4-19.6 GHz (feeder downlink and TT&C), and 29.1-29.3 GHz (feeder uplink and TT&C) frequency bands.

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.