Exhibit 1 Rev B THEA Purpose

0176-EX-CN-2018 Text Documents

SpaceQuest, Ltd.

2018-08-16ELS_214272

FCC Form 442 Exhibit 1                                                       File #: 0176-EX-CN-2018
Question 7: Purpose of Experiment


A. The Proposed Program of Research and Experimentation
    SpaceQuest, Ltd. (“SpaceQuest”), a U.S. corporation headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia,
    requests FCC experimental authorization to test and evaluate a spectrum survey payload
    developed by Aurora Insight (“Aurora”). The payload is a novel, proprietary design and is
    experimental in nature. The primary objective of the mission it to qualify Aurora’s payload,
    consisting of a proprietary spectrometer and components, and demonstrate the generation
    of relevant measurements of the spectral environment. The results of the experiment will
    inform future development of advanced instrumentation by Aurora and component
    development by SpaceQuest.
    The requested UHF frequency assignment will be used for satellite telemetry, tracking and
    command (TT&C), while the S-Band assignment will be used to download selected spectrum
    data from the payload. Specifically, SpaceQuest requests FCC experimental authority to
    construct, launch and operate a low-Earth orbit CubeSat, “THEA”, on an unprotected, non-
    interference basis. The space-to-Earth downlink frequency band of 400.50-400.65 MHz and
    the Earth-to-space uplink frequency band of 399.90-400.05 MHz for TT&C communications
    will communicate with SpaceQuest’s Earth stations in Fairfax, Virginia, Naalehu, Hawaii,
    North Pole, Alaska, and Limestone, Maine.
    The allocation in the space-to-Earth frequency band of 2200-2202 MHz will be used to
    downlink experimental test data to Earth Stations in Limestone, Maine and Esrange,
    Sweden. The allocation in the Earth-to-space uplink frequency band of 2045-2046 MHz will
    be used to acknowledge the downlinks and to upload new firmware to the Aurora payload
    infrequently.
    SpaceQuest is manufacturing the THEA satellite to test experimental payloads from Aurora.
    SpaceQuest has extensive experience in the design and manufacture of microsatellite
    components, ground system hardware and software, spacecraft buses, and with space
    operations. The 3U CubeSat is scheduled to be launched by Spaceflight on a SpaceX Falcon 9
    rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in November 2018.
    SpaceQuest’s 24-hour contact for any interference issues that may arise is provided to the
    FCC in Exhibit 2, Technical Information, Section 15.


B. The Specific Objectives Sought To Be Accomplished
           Validate the performance and survivability of the SpaceQuest and Aurora hosted
            payloads in a space environment.
           Validate the functionality of the Aurora firmware
           Flight-qualify and evaluate the performance of a novel, broadband, cavity-backed spiral
            antenna.
           Demonstrate the ability of the Aurora payload to capture, digitize, store, and then
            download spectrum power, noise, and interference measurements in different bands.
           Demonstrate the ability to upload and execute new payload firmware
           Document lessons learned to incorporate in future payload development


Exhibit 1                                     SpaceQuest                                     Page 1


FCC Form 442 Exhibit 1                                                   File #: 0176-EX-CN-2018
Question 7: Purpose of Experiment


C. How the program of experimentation has a reasonable promise of
   contribution to the development, extension, expansion, or utilization of the
   radio art, or is along line not already investigated.
    Aurora’s instrument comprises a novel design for a passive spectrometer and employs
    custom cloud-based software to execute complex data management and post-processing
    functions. The technology and data produced by Aurora are not widely available and will
    make as valuable contributions to efficient use of the radio frequency environment.
    Proactive understanding of spectrum usage will have a direct impact on the development,
    extension, expansion, and utilization of the radio art by enabling interested parties with a
    validated need to obtain spectrum data to replace current assumptions. As the industry
    seeks to deploy more and increasingly complex radio spectrum technologies, verified
    information can be incorporated into link budgets and models, minimizing uncertainty,
    streamlining planning, and improving performance.
D. About SpaceQuest, Ltd.
    Since its formation in 1994, SpaceQuest has specialized in the design, development,
    integration and testing of advanced space and ground components for low-Earth orbit
    satellites. Over the years, the company has also built, launched and operated over 12
    satellites to support experimental and amateur payloads – including AMSAT, EduSat,
    SaudiComSat, National Science Foundation, Stanford University, Colorado University,
    University of Arizona, among others. SpaceQuest constructed the first mobile satellite
    communications terminal to be carried to the North Pole by an Arctic expedition team. The
    terminal was used successfully to transmit two-way messages and digital photographs to
    SpaceQuest's satellite ground station in Fairfax, Virginia.
    Among SpaceQuest’s successful experimental efforts, were its work for Bigelow Aerospace,
    developing the designs and manufacturing the hardware for the Genesis Pathfinder
    experimental space habitat, and developing, integrating and launching the Team Encounter
    Flight One mission that demonstrated Solar Sail Technology.
    Over the years, the company has provided payloads for experimental missions and tested
    cutting-edge wireless communication components that have resulted in the development of
    cost-effective, timely and reliable hardware and software products for the space industry.
E. Estimated Experiment Duration
    Pursuant to Part 5 of the Commission’s Rules (§ 5.71 License period), SpaceQuest
    respectfully requests approval for a 5-year license for its experimental program. Due to the
    long lead times required for spacecraft construction, consideration of SpaceQuest’s
    requested frequencies is of paramount importance in the near term. However, due to the
    SpaceX launch schedule, the earliest date that SpaceQuest can begin its experimental
    program is the fourth quarter of 2018. Thereafter, SpaceQuest will continue to operate the
    satellite through its expected lifetime of 5 years.



Exhibit 1                                 SpaceQuest                                     Page 2


FCC Form 442 Exhibit 1                                                   File #: 0176-EX-CN-2018
Question 7: Purpose of Experiment

    In summary, SpaceQuest respectfully requests the Commission to grant its application for
    launch and experimental operation authority as detailed herein. To the extent possible,
    SpaceQuest requests that expedited consideration of this Application will be given in order
    to ensure favorable authorization in advance of the scheduled September 12, 2018
    integration of the THEA with the Spaceflight payload stack.


    Pursuant to the document FCC-Guidance-DA-13-445A1, SpaceQuest provides the following:
    Requested grant date: Not later than September 7, 2018
    Critical go/no go date relevant to the license: September 12, 2018




Exhibit 1                                 SpaceQuest                                     Page 3



Document Created: 2018-08-16 15:44:05
Document Modified: 2018-08-16 15:44:05

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