Attachment collision

collision

SUBMISSION FOR THE RECORD submitted by Rainbow

collision

2004-04-13

This document pretains to SAT-LOA-20030827-00173 for Application to Launch and Operate on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATLOA2003082700173_368842

Received Rainbow DBS Company LLC Statement Regarding Condition 8 APR 1 3 2004 For its Ka-band Licenses PdloYBranctr l n t e m t l o e-treau ~ Re: SAT-LOA-2 0030827-00172 SAT-LOA-20030827-00248 SAT-LOA-20030827-00175 SAT-LOA-20030827-00249 SAT-LOA-20030827-00173 k Introduction On November 21,2003, Rainbow DBS Company LLC (Rainbow) was granted authorizationsby the FCC to launch and operate four satellites in systems that would use Ka-band frequencies. These satellites would be at 62"WL, 129"WL, 71"WL and 119"WL in the GSO. On January 5, 2004, Rainbow was granted authorization for a fifth satellite (at 77"WL) to employ Ka-band frequencies. Condition 8 of each of those authorizations requires Rainbow to submit a statement regarding measures that would be taken to prevent in-orbit collisions with other satellites in the GSO. Specifically, the Condition requires Rainbow to consider methods for the avoidance of collisions with satellites: Located at, or planned to be located at the Rainbow assigned orbit locations, or assigned in the vicinity of the Rainbow locations such that the stationkeeping volume of the respective satellites might overlap. B. The In-Orbit Situation In order to determine the satellites that need to be considered, Rainbow examined the lists' of FCC licensed satellite systems as well as those under consideration by the FCC. In addition, Rainbow examined the online database of the ITU-R2 and reviewed the expected launch manifest of the 2003 Commercial Space Transportation Forecast of the Federal Aviation Administration (May 2003). ' See IBFS Reports at www.fcc.gov. See "SNS on-line" at www.itu.int. 1

Based on these sources, the table below was prepared. Rainbow Location In-Orbit Satellites Possible Future InOrbit Satellites 62"WL None 62"WL TDRS- 62W 129"WL 128.98"WL Telesat 7 129"WL LM-RPS-129W3 129"WL CAN-BSS- 129 71"WL None 7 1OWL F-SAT-12 KA4 119"WL 118.71"WL ANIK El 118.7"WL CANSATKA-5X5 118.92"WL Echostar 7 1 18.8"WL CANSAT- 14 119.07"WL Echostar 5 119"WL USABSN- 1I I I9.18"WL DirecTV 5 119"WL Echostar EX- 1 119"WL DirecTV 7.S 119"WL PAS-ENDEAVOR- 119W6 77"WL None 77"WL Spectrum ~ s t 1 - 0 ~ 77"WL Telestar 4 (applied for on 11/1/99) 77"WL GIFTS-IOMI-1 In addition to the satellites identified above, there are several nonU.S., in-orbit satellites that are outside the "trigger" of the license condition, but are sufficiently close to the Rainbow orbit locations to pose an in-orbit collision threat if they do not adhere to the ITU stationkeeping limit of *O. 1". Rainbow will monitor the stationkeeping performance of these satellites during the construction program of its satellites. If it appears that problems might occur, the coordination program (outlined below) will be extended to these satellites. C. Avoidance Methods Based upon its experience with Echostar regarding 6 1.5"WL, Rainbow expects to be able to achieve station keeping, coordination agreements with the identified in-orbit satellites. This activity will start approximately two years prior to the expected launch of each Rainbow satellite. In the interim time period, Rainbow will periodically monitor the The ITU-R database lists this satellite at 129"WL but the FCC Pending Application List includes both the applications for launch authority (4127199) and its amendment (7/30/03) as requesting 125"WL. And other filings by France in the ITU-R database at the same location. And several additional ITU-R filings at this location by Canada for differing frequencies. And one additional filing by Australia in the ITU-R database. 'FCC Application of 9/26/97 for V-band satellite. 2

FCC and ITU-R databases and the FAA launch forecast to determine if additional satellites will be launched that will create a potential in-orbit collision threat and therefore require additional coordinations. To the extent any coordination arrangements would require any changes (offsets) to Rainbow’s assigned orbital locations, Rainbow will seek any necessary modifications to its authorizations from the Commission. In addition, Rainbow is concerned about the potential collision threat posed by uncontrolled, inert objects that are in, or move through the equatorial GSO. Thus, Rainbow intends to conduct discussions with entities that offer a “warning” service for such threats. It is also suggested that the Commission establish a liaison link with NTIA regarding U.S. Government satellites that appear to pose an in-orbit collision threat to FCC-licensed satellites. Melvin Barmat January 7,2004 2024676400 R-LCBSTATEMENT 3


Document Created: 2004-04-13 15:24:03
Document Modified: 2004-04-13 15:24:03
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