Please explain in the area below why an STA is necessary:
Orbital Sciences Corporation ('Orbital') is requesting an STA so that it can expeditiously re-commence operation of the MUBLCOM satellite in order to use it for a new program as a target for the Demonstration of Autonomous Rendezvous Technology (DART). It is necessary to begin transmissions as quickly as possible to confirm the suitability of this satellite.
The MUBLCOM satellite was originally launched as a technology demonstration for DARPA and the Army. The satellite was operated under experimental authority from the Commission (Call Sign WA2XQR). The intent of the demonstration was to validate the effectiveness of using spread spectrum technology (frequency and band hopping) as a means to improve beyond line of site radio communications. The satellite is equipped with the payload radio gear as well as the TT&C transceiver. The TT&C transceiver operates with an uplink frequency of 401.5 MHz and a downlink frequency of 450 MHz. The primary mission for this satellite (the technology demonstration) has been completed, and the satellite is now operating in an autonomous 'standby' mode.
Orbital Sciences Corporation ('Orbital') has decided to reassign this valuable asset to a new program sponsored by the Marshal Center for Spaceflight. This program, Demonstration of Autonomous Rendezvous Technology, or DART, will use the MUBLCOM spacecraft as a target for a rendezvous vehicle currently under development by Orbital Sciences Corporation. In support of this demonstration, the state of health and reliability of the MUBLCOM spacecraft must be validated. In order to accomplish this, several tests will be performed on the spacecraft in order to measure its current performance, and collect trend data. To support this, it will be necessary to re-establish and maintain communications with the satellite on a fairly frequent basis. One test that is currently planned, will configure the satellite so that it will transmit its real time telemetry through its TT&C transceiver for a 24 hour period. This particular event will only occur two or three times, one of them being the actual rendezvous mission itself.
To support these events, Orbital is requesting Special Temporary Authority ('STA') under Part 5 of the Commission's Rules to re-commence operating the satellite, consistent with the technical parameters specified in the experimental license that was assigned to the MUBLCOM Spacecraft and its ground station. Orbital is seeking an STA so that it can commence this new experimental program expeditiously. Finally, Orbital observes that the public interest will be well served because the experimentation will add to Orbital's and the government's knowledge concerning spacecraft operation and the potential for autonomous rendezvous technology.
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