All but one of the applications listed in FCC Report SAT-00434 involve amendments to Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp. (NGST) applications for its Ka-band/V-band satellite system. The V-band part of the system uses frequencies between 37.5 and 50.2 GHz. In the applications, NGST requested the additional frequencies for Ka-band geostationary orbit links and modification to the orbital positions of the satellites. NGST requested waiver of FCC rules, as required, to allow increased-power operations in the 18.8-19.3 GHz and 28.6-29.1 GHz bands consistent with a four-degree orbital spacing framework. NGST withdrew its request for a waiver to allow C-band transfer-orbit and emergency-mode-on-orbit telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) links. It will use Ka-band for TT&C operations.
With transponder bandwidths up to 500 MHz, the size of the whole conventional C-band satellite spectrum, these V-band satellites will be able to offer a large number of high-speed broadband data connections as well as many more TV channels than satellites using Ku-band and Ka-band spectrum. The trade off will be increased susceptibility to atmospheric attenuation and rain fade. The original applications for some of these satellites date back almost 10 years. For additional information on the satellites, see FCC Report SAT-00434. For technical data, look up the space station call signs or file numbers on IBFS using the "Quick Search" box on the left side of the Web page.
The one application not related to NGST was from XM Radio Inc., requesting special temporary authority to operate very low power terrestrial repeaters in its licensed frequency bands at events in various venues, at locations and on dates not identified, for a period of 180 days.
In Report SAT-00435, listing FCC International Bureau's satellite bureau actions, the commission declared the proceeding regarding XM Radio's STA request a "permit-but-disclose" proceeding for the ex parte communications purposes, concluding that would service the public interest. In other actions, the FCC reported SES Americom voluntarily withdrew its Application for Review of the commission's Order and Authorization granting assignment of space station authorizations held by Loral to Intelsat North America LLC.
