0016-EX-ST-2002

Filing overview

Special Temporary Authority application - Address

Attention:

John Cavallo

City:

Dulles

E-Mail Address:

cavallo.john@orbital.com

State:

VA

Street Address:

21700 Atlantic Blvd.

Zip Code:

20166

Special Temporary Authority application - Applicant Name

Name of Applicant:

ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION

Special Temporary Authority application - Best Contact

First Name:

John

Last Name:

Cavallo

Phone Number:

(703) 406-5313

Title:

Manager, Mission Operations

Special Temporary Authority application - Certification

Applicant certification

Neither the applicant nor any other party to the application is subject to a denial of Federal benefits that includes FCC benefits pursuant to Section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, 21 U.S.C. Section 862, because of a conviction for possession or distribution of a controlled substance. The applicant hereby waives any claim to the use of any particular frequency or electromagnetic spectrum as against the regulatory power of the United States because of the prvious use of the same, whether by license or otherwise, and requests authorization in accordance with this application. (See Section 304 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.) The applicant acknowledges that all statements made in this application and attached exhibits are considered material representations, and that all the exhibits part hereof and are incorporated herein as if set out in full in this application; undersigned certifies that all statements in this application are true, complete and correct to the best of his/her knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Applicant certifies that construction of the station would NOT be an action which is likely to have a significant environmental effect. See the Commission's Rules, 47 CFR1.1301-1.1319.

Date:

2002-01-15 10:25:42.98

Signature of Applicant (Authorized person filing form):

John Cavallo

Title of Applicant (if any):

Manager, Mission Operations

Special Temporary Authority application - Explanation

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.

Special Temporary Authority application - Information

Callsign:

WA2XQR

Class of Station:

FX MO

Nature of Service:

Experimental

Special Temporary Authority application - Initial values - Address

City:

DULLES

Street Address:

21700 ATLANTIC BLVD.

Special Temporary Authority application - Initial values - Explanation

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.

Special Temporary Authority application - Initial values - Purpose of Operation

Please explain the purpose of operation:

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.

Special Temporary Authority application - Manufacturer

Equipment 1 Experimental

Yes

Equipment 1 Manufacturer

Orbital Sciences Corporation

Equipment 1 Model Number

Experimental

Special Temporary Authority application - Purpose of Operation

Please explain the purpose of operation:

Test, development, and demonstration of low earth-orbit satellite technology.

Special Temporary Authority application - Requested Period of Operation

Operation End Date:

07/20/2002

Operation Start Date:

01/20/2002

Frequencies

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