Please explain the purpose of operation: |
PointView Tech requests Special Temporary Authority for 30 days to allow the Athena satellite to communicate with, and transmit to, two earth stations located at 19? 0’ 49.6” N, 155? 39’ 46.6” W in Neelahu (County of Ka’u), Hawaii and at 64? 48’ 15.3” N, 147? 30’ 0.8” W in Northpole, Alaska. The earth stations will be used for telemetry, tracking and control communications with the satellite in the portions of the S- and X- frequency bands for which PointView Tech is already authorized. The satellite was successfully placed into its intended orbit but developed increasing spin rates during its first several orbits. Through several ground interventions, the satellite spin rates have been substantially reduced, and the satellite’s attitude has been brought under control. The authority sought here will allow PointView Tech’s partners to increase the diversity of the earth stations conducting communications with the satellite and to accelerate the satellite’s return to normal operations. Travis West is the stop-buzzer contact – 806-239-1165. |