Attachment Exhibit C

This document pretains to SAT-AMD-20020917-00167 for Amended Filing on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATAMD2002091700167_281845

                                      Exhibit C to Form 312




PART I:               Demonstration of Compliance with Validation EPFD Limits

               The following demonstration is provided pursuant to Sections 25.146(a)
and 25.146(h)(3) of the Commission‘s Rules, which require a technical showing
demonstrating that the proposed NGSO FSS system will not exceed the validation
equivalent power flux—density ("EPFD") limits (EPFD4,,, and EPFD,,p) in Sections
25.208(g),(k), and (1) (the "Validation Limits").

              As indicated below, much of the data for this showing is contained on two
CD ROMs (the "SkyBridge CD ROMs") — labeled "SkyBridge Demonstration of
Compliance with Validation EPFD Limits, September 16, 2002" and "SkyBridge
Validation Software Executable Code, September 16, 2002"— which are being submitted
to the Commission via hand—delivery in conjunction with this Amendment.

§ 25.146(a)(1)              EPFDdown
          § 25.146(a)(1)(i)         Downlink PFD Masks
                The SkyBridge CD ROMs contain a set of power flux—density ("PFD")
masks, on the surface of the Earth, for each space station in the NGSO FSS system,
generated in accordance with ITU—R Recommendation BO.1503. As required by Section
25.146(a)(1)(i), these masks "encompass the power flux—density radiated by the space
station regardless of the satellite transmitter power resource allocation and traffic/beam
switching strategy that are used at different periods of a NGSO FSS system life." They
are provided in a form that can be assessed by the computer program being provided
pursuant to Section 25.146(a)(1)(i11).

          § 25.146(a)(1)(ii)        Assumptions Used in Generating the PFD Masks

                      The assumptions and conditions used in generating the PFD masks (and
computing the EPFD4ow, results) are those contained in ITU—Recommendation BO.1503,
and are included in the SkyBridge CD ROMs. No other assumptions are required.

          § 25.146(a)(1)(iii)       Software
                As the Commission knows, the ITU intends to develop and test a software
tool to be used for its determination of compliance with the Validation Limits. This
software is not yet available. However, the ITU software is not needed in order to
demonstrate compliance with the Validation Limits. Indeed, the terms of Section
25.146(a)(1)(iii) contemplate that applicants may employ their own software, so long as




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the software is based on the specification contained in ITU—R Recommendation BO.1503.
This is what SkyBridge has done.

               An executable version of the software used by SkyBridge for the single—
entry EPFDaow, validation computation is contained on the SkyBridge CD ROMs. The
software has two components — the first is used to generate the PFD masks from the input
data, and the second is used to compute the EPFD levels from the PFD masks and orbital
parameters of the system. This software is in full accordance with ITU—R
Recommendation BO.1503 in all respects.

               The source code for this software, which was developed for SkyBridge by
a commercial software vendor, contains highly proprietary information. SkyBridge is not
permitted, by the terms ofits agreement with this vendor, to publicly disclose the source
code. SkyBridge has therefore submitted the source code separately to the Commission,
along with a request for confidential treatment pursuant to Section 552(b)(4) of the U.S.
Code, and Sections 0.457(d) and 0.459 of the Commission‘s Rules.‘ In addition, in
Exhibit B, SkyBridge requests a waiver of the requirement that each applicant provide the
source code for its software, in the event that the Commission finds the submission in any
way deficient.

           § 25.146(a)(1)(iv)   Input Parameters to Software

              The necessary input parameters for the execution of the software identified
above are contained on the SkyBridge CD ROMs.

           § 25.146(a)(1)(v)    Results
                 Using the above—cited PFD masks and input parameters, the worst case
test point for the SkyBridge system for each of the EPFD4ow, Validation Limits was
computed using the software indicated above. The results are included on the SkyBridge
CD ROMs. The results demonstrate that the SkyBridge system fully meets the EPFDdown
Validation Limits according to the compliance methodology developed by the ITU.

                 The Commission‘s Rules require additional results, not required or
contemplated by the ITU software specification contained in ITU—R Recommendation
BO—1503. As SkyBridge has demonstrated, these requirements are therefore ambiguous
in their interpretation. Moreover, even if an interpretation is assumed by an applicant, the
software was not designed to perform the requested computations, making the required
showings impractical. SkyBridge has filed a Petition for Reconsideration of these rules
(the "SkyBridge Petition for Reconsideration"), which remains pending." In Exhibit B,
SkyBridge requests waivers of these rules.



!    _5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(4); 47 C.F.R. § 0.457(d); 47 C.F.R. § 0.459.
     See Petition for Reconsideration, SkyBrnidge L.L.C., ET Docket 98—206, RM—9147,
     RM—9245, March 19, 2001 (the "SkyBridge Petition for Reconsideration"). See also


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                      In particular, Section 25.146(a)(1)(v) requires results indicating the
EPFDaown for the worst 3 test points in the United States, and the EPFDgoy, for the worst
3 test points on each continent, except Antarctica, outside of the U.S. As SkyBridge
explained in its Petition for Reconsideration, ITU—R Recommendation BO—1503 does not
contain a definition for the "worst three test points" in terms of EPFD statistics, which are
represented by curves specifying maximum power levels for any given percentage of
time." Following lengthy technical discussions, the ITU—R study groups reached an
agreement on a definition of the single "worst—case" configuration (in terms of GSO
location and pointing direction), anywhere in the world, at which the compliance test
should be performed. The Commussion‘s rule is therefore indefinite, and open to
multiple interpretations.

                Moreover, as a result of the ITU working group decision to determine only
the worst—case location worldwide, the software specification contains a procedure only
for determining that location." The software specification cannot be readily used to
determine the worst—case location over any sub—territority, or the second and third worst—
cases either worldwide or over any sub—territory. In order to determine the three worst
case test points over the U.S., for example, an applicant would have to use the software to
compute the EPFDa,y,, at every geographical location in the United States in order to
determine the three worst—case points."         Computing EPFDacy, at a single location
currently takes SkyBridge many hours of computation time. The density of test points
needed to pinpoint accurately the worst—case points leads to computations that would take
months. Moreover, the lack of a standard procedure for this computation (such as the
density of points that must be examined) leaves any results open to dispute. For the
above reasons, SkyBridge requested reconsideration of these requirements.

                Nevertheless, in an effort to provide additional information to the
Commission of the type sought by its rules, SkyBridge provides, on the SkyBridge CD
ROMs, results for 11 additional points throughout the world. These results correspond to
locations that were determined during testing of the software to be among the worst—case
locations for the SkyBridge system. However, because these points were located based
on a relatively small sampling of locations world—wide (about 150, due to the lengthy
run—time of the software for each point), SkyBridge can make no claim that it has
captured the second and third worst—cases worldwide, or in any sub—territory. The
information is provided solely for illustration purposes.

              It must be noted that with the software and input parameters contained on
the SkyBridge CD ROMs, any other interested party may perform the kinds of


     Ex Parte Presentation of SkyBridge, ET Docket No. 98—206, June 18, 2002 (the
     "SkyBridge Ex Parte").
     SkyBridge Petition for Reconsideration at 30—3 1; see also SkyBridge Ex Parte at 14—
     15.
*    See SkyBridge Ex Parte at 15—16.
°    See SkyBridge Ex Parte at 16.


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computations made by SkyBridge for this Amendment. This could include samplings
over given sub—territories, or computations for specific geographical points of interest.
SkyBridge would be pleased to assist any such party, and the Commission in particular,
in making such computations.


§ 25.146(a)(2)           EPFDup
          § 25.146(a)(2)(G)     Uplink EIRP Masks
                The SkyBridge CD ROMs contain a set of NGSO FSS earth station
maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power ("EIRP") masks as a function of the
off—axis angle generated by a NGSO FSS earth station, generated in accordance with
ITU—R Recommendation BO.1503. As required by Section 25.146(a)(2)(i), these masks
"encompass what would be radiated regardless of the earth station transmitter power
resource allocation and traffic/beam switching strategy are used at different periods of a
NGSO FSS system life." These masks are provided in a form that can be assessed by the
computer program being provided pursuant to § 25.146(a)(2)(i11).

          § 25.146(a)(2)(ii)    Assumptions Used in Generating the EIRP
                                Masks

               The assumptions and conditions used in generating the EIRP masks (and
computing the EPFD,,, results) are those contained in ITU—Recommendation BO.1503,
and are included on the SkyBridge CD ROMs. No other assumptions are required.

          § 25.146(a)(2)(iii)   Software
               An executable version of the software used by SkyBridge for the single—
entry EPFD,,, validation computation is contained on the SkyBridge CD ROMs. The
software has two components —— the first is used to generate the EIRP masks from the
input data, and the second is used to compute the EPFD,,, levels from the EIRP masks
and orbital parameters of the system. This software is in full accordance with ITTU—R
Recommendation BO.1503 in all respects.

                As discussed above, the source code for this software contains highly
proprietary information, and SkyBridge has submitted the source code separately, along
for a request for confidential treatment. In addition, in Exhibit B, SkyBridge requests a
waiver of the requirement that each applicant provide the source code for its software, in
the event that the Commission finds the submission in any way deficient.

          § 25.146(a)(2)(iv)    Input Parameters to Software

               The necessary input parameters for the execution of the computer program
are contained on the SkyBridge CD ROMs.




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          § 25.146(a)(1)(v)         Results

                 Using the above—cited EIRP masks and input parameters, the worst case
test point for the SkyBridge system for the EPFD,, Validation Limits was computed
using the software indicated above. The results are included on the SkyBridge CD
ROMs. The results demonstrate that the SkyBridge system fully meets the EPFD,,p
Validation Limits according to the compliance methodology developed by the ITU.

                      As in the case of the EPFD4gow, limits, the Commission‘s Rules require
additional results, not contemplated by the ITU software specification contained in ITU—
R Recommendation BO—1503. The pending SkyBridge Petition for Reconsideration also
seeks reconsideration of these rules. In Exhibit B, SkyBridge requests waivers of these
requirements.

               In particular, the Commussion‘s Rules require EPFD,,, for every
longitudinal location on the GSO orbit at every two—degree spacing that is visible to the
U.S. for domestic service, and EPFD,,, for every longitudinal location on the GSO orbit at
every three—degree spacing for service outside the U.S. As SkyBridge explained in its
Petition for Reconsideration, ITU—R Recommendation BO—1503 does not contain a
definition for the "worst—case" at specific points along the arc.° It is not clear how the
definition should be extended to cover these cases (including, for example, what satellite
coverage should be considered), and therefore the rule is open to multiple interpretations.

                      Moreover, as a result of the ITU working group decision to determine only
the worst—case EPFD,,, for any orbital location, the software specification contains a
procedure only for determining that location. The software specification cannot be readily
used to determine the worst—case result for any particular orbital location. In order to
determine the worst case test point for a particular orbital location, an applicant would
have to use the software to compute the EPFD,,, for every location on earth to which a
satellite at that location might point.‘ Computing EPFD,, at a single location currently
takes SkyBridge over a day of computation time. The density of test points needed to
pinpoint accurately the worst—case points leads to computations that would take months.
Moreover, the lack of a standard procedure for this computation (such as the density of
points on the ground that must be examined) leaves any results open to dispute. For the
above reasons, SkyBridge requested reconsideration of these requirements.

                As discussed above, with the software and input parameters contained on
the SkyBridge CD ROMs, any other interested party may perform EPFD,,, computations
for particular configurations of interest. SkyBridge would be pleased to assist any such
party, and the Commission in particular, in making such computations.




     SkyBridge Petition for Reconsideration at 30.
‘    See SkyBridge Ex Parte at 17.


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PART II:              Additional Technical Information Required by Commission‘s Rules


§ 25.146(h)(1) and (2)              Geographic Coverage

                As demonstrated in SkyBridge‘s January 8, 1999 Amendment, the
constellation parameters of the SkyBridge system permit continuous service to users
between the + 72° latitudes, assuming a gateway is appropriately located to take
advantage of this capability.®

                      The northernmost point of the United States is Point Barrow, Alaska, at a
latitude of 71.3° North. Therefore, the SkyBridge system is capable of providing FSS
service on a continuous basis throughout the fifty states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. It is also capable of providing service to all locations as far north as 70 deg.
latitude and as far south as 55 deg. latitude for at least 75 percent of every 24—hour
period. The SkyBridge system therefore complies with Section 25.146 (h)(1) and (2).


§ 25.146(h)(3)               Information on System Modeling

                      Section 25.146(h)(3) requires submission of "sufficient information on the
NGSO FSS system characteristics to properly model the system in computer sharing
simulations," including, at a minimum:

          hand—over and switching strategies
          satellite beam patterns
          satellite antenna patterns
          earth station antenna patterns

The above parameters are inputs to the validation software discussed in Part I of this
Exhibit C. In particular, the hand—over and switching strategy used by SkyBridge in its
computations corresponds to that specified by ITU—R Recommendation BO.1503, which
assumes use of the worst—case beam configuration at all times." The satellite beam and


     See SkyBridge Amendment, January 8, 1999, File No. SAT—AMD—1999—0108—00004,
     at A—17—18 and Figure IV—8.
     As discussed in comments of SkyBridge in relevant proceedings, see, e.g., Comments
     of SkyBridge, IB Docket No. 01—96, July 6, 2001, at 27, the hand—over and switching
     strategies employed by an operating system change with time as traffic patterns
     evolve, and contain highly—proprietary information related to the commercial service
     being provided. Therefore, the specific beam configurations that will be used at any
     given time cannot be provided for purely practical reasons, and should not be required
     to be publicly disclosed for reasons of confidentiality. For this reason,
     Recommendation ITU—R BO.1503 employs assumes worst—case switching, i.e., it


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antenna patterns are contained on the SkyBridge CD ROMs. The earth station antenna
patterns are inputs to the software and are also discussed in the SkyBridge Application
filings."

                 Section 25.146(h)(3) also requires explanation of the "switching
protocols" used to avoid transmission to the GSO arc. As SkyBridge explained in its
original Application, the SkyBridge system employs a "non—operating zone" to protect
the GSO arc. This zone spans +10° on either side of the GSO arc as seen by any earth
station in the gateway cell. The approach of a satellite toward the non—operating zone of
any earth station with which the satellite is in communication is one of the triggers for
switching traffic to another satellite (other triggers include the existence of another
satellite with a better elevation angle, and local environmental blockage), and one of the
techniques employed by the system for complying with the EPFD4ow, and EPFD,,, limits
applicable to NGSO FSS systems."‘

               Section 25.146(h)(3) requires submission of the orbital parameters
contained in Section A.3 of Annex 1 to Resolution 46. These are input parameters to the
validation software discussed in Part I of this Exhibit C, and are contained on the
SkyBridge CD ROMs.

               Finally, Section 25.146(h)(3) requires "a sufficient technical showing that
the proposed non—geostationary satellite orbit system meets the power—flux density limits
contained in Section 25.208, as applicable." Such a showing is contained in Part I of this
Exhibit C, with respect to the Validation Limits. Demonstration of compliance with
limits contained in Section 25.208 other than the Validation Limits (Le., the "operational
limits," the "additional operational limits," and the "aggregate limits") is not required at
the application stage, according to the explicit terms of Section 25.146(b)."


§ 25.146(h)(4)          Orbital Debris Mitigation

               Section 25.146(h)(4) requires a demonstration of the strategies that will be
used to mitigate orbital debris, including a casualty risk assessment if planned post—
mission disposal involves atmospheric re—entry of the spacecraft.




     employs that configuration of beams that leads to the worst—case result at any given
     time.
     See SkyBridge Amendment, July 3, 1997, File No. 89—SA¥AT—AMEND—97, at 7.
     See SkyBridge Application, February 28, 1997, File No. 48—SAT—P/LA—97, at 24—27,
     68—70
     With respect to the "aggregate limits," see also The Establishment of Policies and
     Service Rules for the Non—Geostationary Satellite Orbit, Fixed Satellite Service in the
     Ku—Band, Report and Order and Further Notice ofProposed Rulemaking, IB Docket
     No. 01—96 (FCC 02—123, Apr. 26, 2002), [« 92—98.


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                The following discussion is based upon the U.S. Government guidelines
(the "Government Standard Practices") applied to U.S. Government missions, which
SkyBridge intends to follow.‘" In the Government Standard Practices, four separate
scenarios in which orbital debris may be created are identified. SkyBridge discusses how
it plans to address each of those scenarios below.

Control of Orbital Debris Released During Mission Operations

                As is typically the case with communications payloads, it is anticipated
that operation of the spacecraft will require no purposeful release of debris, in the
absence of accidental explosions or collisions.

Minimizing Debris Generated by Accidental Explosions

                To minimize the risk of accidental explosions during mission operations,
failure mode analysis, or the equivalent, will be performed on the final spacecraft design
to identify failures modes that could credibly lead to an explosion, and to take steps
(design or operational) to limit the probability of explosion.

                  To minimize the risk of accidental explosions at the end of the life of each
satellite, all on—board sources of energy will be depleted once the satellite has reached its
storage or reentry orbit (see below).

Selection ofa Safe Flight Profile and Operational Configuration

              SkyBridge will plan launch, orbital maneuvers, and operational orbits, and
maintain stationkeeping to within 0.1°, which will limit the probability of collision with
known large objects during the spacecraft lifetime.

                      The SkyBridge satellites will be assessed by their designer/manufacturer
in order to limit the probability that a collision with a small object in space could lead to
debris. In particular, spacecraft shielding, placement of components, and use of
redundant systems, will be considered, as appropriate, in order to protect the spacecraft,
and reduce the probability that a collision could lead to loss of spacecraft control that
would prevent proper disposal. It should be noted that SkyBridge has every economic
incentive to ensure the robustness of its spacecraft design to prevent loss of valuable
assets.

Post—Mission Disposal ofSpacecraft

               The method for disposal of the SkyBridge satellites at the end of their
operational lives has not been definitely determined. Most likely, disposal will involve


_ See In the Matter of Mitigation of Orbital Debris, Notice ofProposed Rulemaking, IB
  Docket No. 02—54, (FCC 02—80, rel. March 18, 2002) (the "Orbital Debris NPRM‘),
  Appendix A.


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atmospheric reentry, which is one of the disposal options identified in the Government
Standard Practices appropriate for LEO satellites. In this case, the structure will be either
directly de—orbited for atmospheric reentry, or placed in a decaying orbit, which will lead
to eventual atmospheric reentry. The Commission has identified atmospheric reentry as
one of the most effective methods for ensuring that the spacecraft will not, through
collision, become a source of a large number of orbital debris in the future."*

               SkyBridge will fully assess the safety concerns associated with
atmospheric reentry before any such maneuver, and take whatever steps, in satellite
design and in reenty protocols, are feasible to reduce the probability that portions of the
spacecraft may survive reentry and reach the surface of the earth. In particular,
SkyBridge will ensure that the results of its casualty assessment are well within all
applicable rules and guidelines.

                It is possible that a storage orbit could be used for some or all of the
SkyBridge satellites. In that event, SkyBridge will maneuver its satellites so as to reduce
risk that any satellite will be placed near any operational orbit. Once the satellites have
reached the disposal orbit, all on—board energy sources will be depleted, in accordance
with the Government Standard Practices.

               SkyBridge will take steps to ensure that the on—board fuel of its spacecraft
does not drop below that required to reliably execute planned end—of—life maneuvers.




* Orbital Debris NPRM, 52.

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                CERTIFICATION OF PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR
                  PREPARING ENGINEERING INFORMATION


               I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that I am a technically qualified
person responsible for preparation of the engineering information contained in this
Amendment, that I am familiar with Part 25 of the Commission‘s Rules, and that I have
either prepared or reviewed the engineering information submitted in this Amendment, and
that it is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.


                                             By:
                                                     Didier     Casasoprana
                                                   s      > l'egufatory and special projects
                                                   _ 8SKYBRIDGE L.L.C.




September 16, 2002



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Document Modified: 2019-04-14 21:37:09

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