Attachment TechnicalDescription

This document pretains to SAT-LOA-20100409-00072 for Application to Launch and Operate on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATLOA2010040900072_810002

                                       ATTACHMENT A

                                              FM-6

                               TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION



A.1    GENERAL DESCRIPTION


FM-6 will be a geostationary DARS (Digital Audio Radio Service) satellite located at 115.2
degrees West Longitude initially providing backup to FM-5 which, with the current three Sirius
NGO satellites, creates the hybrid constellation now providing our subscribers with extremely high
service availability. The three Sirius NGO satellites were launched in the latter portion of 2000.
When FM-6 becomes operational in early 2012, the NGO satellites will be 12 years old. In the
years following, it is expected that the NGO satellites will be retired and Sirius XM will then
transition to a two geostationary satellite constellation by relocating FM-5 from its current orbital
location of 96.0 degrees West Longitude to a location close to 85.0 degrees West Longitude. This
GEO constellation configuration is identical to the legacy XM constellation, thereby facilitating
future integration of the XM satellites’ architecture with the legacy Sirius architecture. The subject
satellite would then operate at the 115.2 degrees West Longitude orbital location to serve Sirius
XM subscribers in the continental United States (CONUS - including its offshore waters) and
Sirius XM Canada’s subscribers in Canada using a single transponder at either of two selectable
frequencies. The transmissions from the satellite will be compatible with the current and next
generation of Sirius XM radios.


The FM-6 satellite will use the 2320.0-2332.5 MHz DARS radio frequency band currently licensed
to Sirius XM for downlink operation of its hybrid constellation.          Since two operating sub-
frequency bands are available, only two satellites of the five hybrid constellation satellites can
operate at any time. The two will be selected to maximize subscriber service quality. The uplink
broadcast transmissions will use X-band frequencies in the 7050.5-7072.5 MHz band.                All




                                                 1


Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) radio frequencies are contained in the two
aforementioned frequency bands.


A.2                                     ORBITAL LOCATION


Sirius XM requests Commission authority to use the 115.2° W.L. geostationary orbital location for
the FM-6 satellite. This orbital location has been selected because it will be best for implementing
the eventual two satellite GEO constellation, since it provides both excellent satellite spatial
diversity and good elevation angles to subscribers within the service area. High elevation angles
minimize the risk of mobile subscriber receiver signal blockage due to buildings and foliage.


Figure A.2-1 shows the elevation angles from the 115.2° W.L. orbital location to the service area
of the proposed FM-6 satellite. The majority of CONUS is above 30° elevation angle.


                                            Figure A.2-1 – Elevation Angles from the 115.2° W.L. Orbital Location




                                                                                                                                                                                        SATSOFT
                            80.00


                                                             0°


                                                                                                                                     10°



                            60.00                                                                                             20°



                                                                                               30°
 North Latitude (Degrees)




                                                                                                                                                                           0°




                            40.00




                                             10°
                                       0°                   20°
                                                                                                                                               40°
                            20.00
                                                                        40°                                                         50°
                                                                              50°




                                                                                                                                                               20°   10°
                                                                                                                                                     30°
                             0.00                                                                                                                                               0°
                              160.00               180.00         -160.00           -140.00   -120.00               -100.00               -80.00      -60.00           -40.00        -20.00
                                                                                                 East Longitude (Degrees)




A.3                                     SATELLITE COVERAGE


The FM-6 satellite will provide DARS broadcast service to receiving terminals located in the
broadcast service area. The DARS service beam coverage is provided by a single 9m diameter


                                                                                                      2


unfurlable mesh satellite antenna fed by a shaped subreflector. Section A.5 provides further details
of the DARS broadcast antenna beam.


The FM-6 X-band feeder link coverage can originate in a portion of central and eastern CONUS
between New York, Denver, Northern Texas and Northern Florida. A single feeder link spot beam
is used created by a 1.2m diameter shaped receive antenna on the satellite. Section A.6 provides
further details of the feeder link antenna beam.


A.4    FREQUENCY AND POLARIZATION PLANS FOR
       COMMUNICATIONS LINKS


For the broadcast service in the DARS band, the FM-6 satellite will be capable of transmitting on
either of three carriers in the 2320-2332.5 MHz band. Operational transmissions will only take
place over a 4.50 MHz bandwidth centered at either 2322.29 MHz (Chan. 1) or 2330.21 MHz
(Chan. 2) as allowed under Satellite CD Radio’s and Sirius XM’s current authorizations. A 12.5
MHz bandwidth channel centered at 2326.25 MHz (Channel 3) is also available. Left Hand
Circular (LHC) polarization will be used on the broadcast downlink.


The FM-6 satellite can receive the X-band feeder link on any of three carriers in the 7050.5-7072.5
MHz band.      Uplink operational signal reception will be a single carrier over a 4.50 MHz
bandwidth centered at either 7062.29 MHz (Chan. 1) or 7070.21 MHz (Chan. 2) or, if subsequently
requested and authorized, within Channel 3 (7066.25 MHz). The feeder link uses Right Hand
Circular (RHC) polarization.


TT&C operations will take place below the feeder link frequencies and in the broadcast link
frequency ranges, as discussed in detail in Section A.19.


A.5    SATELLITE TRANSMIT CAPABILITY


The shaped area DARS broadcast coverage for the 48 contiguous United States is shown in Figure
A.5-1 with a minimum edge of coverage EIRP of 63.4 dBW around CONUS.




                                                   3


The detailed gain contours for this beam are shown in Figure A.5-2. FM-6 will provide, when
operating, a single carrier downlink signal in this coverage area. The downlink coverage pattern
is generated by using a shaped 2.28m diameter subreflector in a Gregorian configuration with a
9m diameter unfurlable antenna system. The RF output section is a channel amplifier that feeds
a high power TWTA array consisting of a 44:32 array of 245-W, conduction cooled, TWTAs.
Each of four 11:8 rings of TWTAs feeds one arm of a four port Ortho Mode Transducer (OMT)
combiner. The combiner output launches into an S-Band feed horn which illuminates the shaped
subreflector.

The cross-polarization isolation of the satellite broadcast transmit antenna will exceed 30 dB
within the receive coverage area shown in Figure A.6-1 and throughout CONUS. The receive
antenna cross-polarization isolation also exceeds 30 dB within the CONUS coverage area.




                             Figure A.5-1 – DARS Service Area




                                              4


                                              Figure A.5-2 – DARS Downlink Beam Gain Contours
                               (Contours shown are -2, -4, -6, -8, -10, -15, and -20 dB relative to the beam peak of 34.7 dBi)




                                                                                                                                                                                                   SATSOFT
                                                                                                                                    -20
                                                                              -20

                                                                                                                                        -15
                       8. 00                                                                   -4
                                                                                               -2                                                                                           - 20
                                                                  -20                                                       -8   - 10
                                                                          - 15                                                      -6
                                                                                                                                      -4
                                                                               -10                                                                      -2

                                                                                    -8                                                                 34.69

                       6. 00
                                                                                         -6
Elevation in Degrees




                                                                                                    -4                                                 -4
                                                                                                                                           -6
                                                                                                                                                                              -20
                                                                                                                                                               -8
                                                                        -20
                                                                                                                                                                    - 10

                       4. 00
                                                                                         -20
                                                                                                                     -8                                                             -15


                                                                                                                    -10


                                                                                                                      -15                                      -20
                                                                                                                      -20


                       2. 00




                       0. 00




                                      -8.00     -6.00     -4.00               -2.00                  0.00           2.00                        4.00                       6.00           8.00
                                                                                               Azimuth in Degrees




A.6                             SATELLITE RECEIVE CAPABILITY


The X-band feeder link will be received on the FM-6 satellite by a 1.2m diameter receive shaped
antenna from the CONUS feeder link coverage area shown in Figure A.6-1. The contour area is
shown with pointing error added to the basic coverage area. A highly redundant input section on
the satellite provides the X to S band radio frequency conversion, filters the signal and provides the
S-band signal to the output section of the repeater. The detailed gain contours for this beam are
provided in Figure A.6-2




                                                                                                    5


Figure A.6-1 – Feeder Link Receive Coverage Area




                       6


                                                    Figure A.6-2 – Feeder Uplink Beam Gain Contours
                                     (Contours shown are -2, -4, -6, -8, -10, and -12 dB relative to the beam peak of 31.0 dBi)




                                                                                                                                                                                         SATSOFT
                                                                                                          -10
                                                                                                   - 12
                                                                                                          -8 -6

                             8. 00
                                                                                                                -4

                                                                                                                                                             -4             -12
                                                                                                                     -2                                                -8
                                                                                                                                                        -2        -6
                                                                                                                                                                            -10
                                                                                   -12
                                                                        - 12


                                                                                                                          30.98
                             6. 00
      Elevation in Degrees




                             4. 00
                                                                                                                                            -2

                                                                                                                                       -4
                                                                                                                                  -6
                                                                                                                          -10     -8
                                                                                                                                -12


                             2. 00

                                                                                                                                -12

                                                                                                            -12




                             0. 00




                                            -8.00     -6.00    -4.00       -2.00               0.00                       2.00                   4.00             6.00            8.00
                                                                                         Azimuth in Degrees




The effective system noise temperature of the satellite feeder link receiver is 649 K (equivalent to
28.1 dB-K). Therefore the beam peak G/T performance is 2.9 dB/K (i.e., 31.0 dBi-28.1 dB-K) and
the minimum edge of coverage G/T is 2.0 dB/K.


The cross polarization isolation of the satellite feeder link receive antenna will exceed 30 dB within
the -3 dB gain contour at the receive frequency.


A.7                                  TRANSMISSION SCHEMES


The broadcast transmission for the FM-6 satellite is a digital signal stream. It will include the
legacy digital transmission used for FM-1/2/3/5 which has a throughput of 4.5 Mb/s containing the
audio programming (currently there are approximately 70 music and 66 voice channels which have
been compressed and multiplexed into this stream including additionally a few low speed data and
service channels). Most of the channel programming is accomplished at the Sirius XM National
Broadcasting Center in New York City with the remaining coming to the Center from the Sirius
XM facility in Washington DC, remote Sirius XM studios, provider facilities or points of
origination (e.g., sports events) for compression and multiplexing. Appropriate encoding (inner
coding is convolutional/outer coding is Reed Solomon) and encryption are then performed.

                                                                                           7


The multiplexed encoded digital stream is sent from the Center to the Sirius XM uplink earth
station complex in Vernon, NJ where it is split into two streams. One stream is delayed 3-4
seconds relative to the other to achieve time diversity. Both streams are then 4-phase PSK
modulated (QPSK) and transmitted at X Band to the two then-active satellites in the four satellite
hybrid constellation. The satellites are bent pipe repeaters and, after power amplification and
frequency translation, relay the digital stream from the satellites at S-Band for reception by
subscriber mobile and fixed receivers. The FM-6 satellite will operate identically in the hybrid or
GEO constellation and, when active, relay one of the two digital signal streams to system users.


In addition to this legacy modulation, the FM-1/2/3/5 satellites, when active, also transmit an
additional digital stream, embedded in the legacy signal, called "overlay modulation." The legacy
modulation whose symbols carry two information bits had been modified to carry a third
information bit. This was done by shifting the phase of the legacy QPSK symbols from their
original locations by a certain angle (+/-ten to fifteen degrees). This additional data stream is
encoded with a low density parity check code concatenated with a BCH code. The digital stream
throughput can be up to 1.35 Mb/s. The additional transmission capacity is used for providing
subscribers with more audio channel programming, data and three compressed video channels
currently utilized for automobile back seat viewing. The FM-6 satellite will operate identically in
either the hybrid or GEO constellation and, when active, transmit the legacy and overlay
modulated signal to system receivers.


A.8     TRANSPONDER GAIN CONTROL AND SATURATION FLUX DENSITY


The communications payload can be operated in either automatic level control (ALC) or in a fixed
gain mode. The actual gain is programmable by ground command, over a 20 dB range in 1 dB
steps. It is also possible to cease all transmission by ground command. Because the system
broadcasts a single carrier, it is normally operated near transmitter output saturation. The receive
flux density at the satellite for saturated operation will be between -88 dBW/m2 and -108 dBW/m2.


The range of gain for the transponder, measured from the output of the X-band receive antenna to
each of four inputs to the S-band transmit antenna feed, is from 126 dB to 146 dB, depending on
the gain setting.


                                                8


A.9    SATELLITE FILTER RESPONSE


The specification for the overall in-band filter response and out-of-band attenuation is dictated by
the following considerations:


       1. The in-band gain and group delay response must be flat enough so as not to degrade
             significantly the bit error rate performance of the digital carrier transmitted.

       2. The out-of-band attenuation must be high enough to meet the out-of-band emission
             limits of §25.202(f) (1), (2) and (3).


The FM-6 satellite is being designed to comply fully with these requirements. The linear
response of any transmission over the usable bandwidth of channels 1 or 2 will not vary by more
than the following values:

             Transponder         Offset From Center           Gain Flatness        Maximum Gain Slope
           Bandwidth (MHz)        Frequency (MHz)               (dBp-p) *              (dB/MHz) *
                 4.5                    ±1.60                    0.8/0.7                 0.65/0.6
                                        ±1.95                    1.3/1.2                0.85/0.75
                                        ±2.25                    1.8/1.7                 1.1/1.0
       *         The first number is for the total payload, the second number for the receive portion.

The group delay and stability for channels 1 or 2 will not exceed the following values:

       Transponder Bandwidth      Offset From Center       Group Delay Variation   Group Delay Stability
              (MHz)                Frequency (MHz)             (nsec p-p) *            (nsec p-p)
                  4.5                    ±1.6                    45 / 40                    10
                                        ±1.95                    65 / 55                    12
                                        ±2.25                    70 / 65                    15
       *         The first number is for the total payload, the second number for the receive portion.

The response relative to that at the center frequency of each channel for channels 1 and 2 will
meet the limits defined below:

           Offset from channel
           center frequency (MHz)               ±4.5                ±6.75                ±9.0

           Response, dB                          -2                   -20                 -30




                                                       9


A.10    UNWANTED EMISSIONS


The out-of-band emissions will not exceed the limits of §25.202(f) (1), (2) and (3).


        The mean power of emissions shall be attenuated below the mean output power of the
        transmitter in accordance with the following schedule:
              (1) In any 4 kHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned
                   frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 100 percent of the
                   authorized bandwidth: 25 dB;
              (2) In any 4 kHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned
                   frequency by more than 100 percent up to and including 250 percent of the
                   authorized bandwidth: 35 dB;
              (3) In any 4 kHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned
                   frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: An amount
                   equal to 43 dB plus 10 times the logarithm (to the base 10) of the transmitter
                   power in watts.


A.11    EMISSION DESIGNATORS AND ALLOCATED BANDWIDTH OF EMISSION


The communications and TT&C signals will utilize carriers of varying bandwidths and different
modulation schemes. All communications carriers will be digitally modulated. The following
table lists the emission designators for these signals.


    Signal Types                        Emission Designators

    Communications                      4M50G7E

    Telemetry, Command                  300KG1D , 1M00F1D




                                                   10


A.12   EARTH STATIONS


A.12.1 User Terminals


There are approximately nine million Sirius legacy subscriber receivers currently in operation, and
that figure is expected to be even higher at commencement of FM-6 satellite operation. Most of
the receivers are installed in vehicles (automobiles, trucks, boats, etc.) but appreciable numbers are
installed in homes or are portable. Many are transportable or re-locatable (e.g., plug and play).


Each receiver generally has a radio frequency unit (i.e., antenna and associated amplifier) which
feeds an electronics unit, the latter providing frequency translation, demodulation, channel
selection and decompression. All receivers are functionally similar with the main radio frequency
unit variation being the antenna size and consequent gain. The electronics unit is based on a
standard chipset so basic functionality is also nearly identical. The chipset provides a three-
channel radio so signals from both operating satellites of the Sirius XM constellation and a local
rebroadcast terrestrial transmitter can be simultaneously received when available with good
strength.


Upgrades to the chipset are accomplished from time to time. The main purpose of the upgrades is
to reduce chipset size, power drain, thermal dissipation and cost through incorporation of newer
chip technology/fabrication.


Each receiver has a unique digital identification in the chipset. This allows Sirius XM to address
individual receivers through the subscriber service channel (i.e., a command channel originated at
the Sirius XM National Broadcast Center and multiplexed with the audio program channels) for
such purposes as radio activation/deactivation, channel realignments, etc.


Further details are provided in the link budget section of this technical annex (Section A.13).


A.12.2 Feeder Link Earth Stations


The primary feeder link Earth station will be located at Vernon, NJ and uses a 7.2m diameter
antenna as noted in the following budget. The backup feeder link Earth station will be located at


                                                 11


Ellenwood, GA with an identical size antenna. The transmission characteristics are shown in the
link budgets below.     The antennas have sidelobe characteristics that meet or exceed ITU-R
recommendations.


Frequency coordination data regarding terrestrial sharing service users will be included in the
applications for licenses to be filed for these stations. The X-band uplink broadcast frequency and
the command frequency transmissions are currently only used operationally by the Sirius XM
satellite fleet. Therefore, the uplink transmissions out-of-band flux densities will not interfere with
any other operators’ on-orbit satellites.


A.13    LINK BUDGETS


A.13.1 Communications Links


The FM-6 satellite will support digital communications traffic. The communications payload on
the FM-6 satellite is a transparent transponder type (“bent-pipe”).          Table A.13-1 shows a
representative link budget with its X-band uplink and S-band broadcast downlink.




                                                  12


       Table A.13-1 – Link Budget FM-6 DARS Broadcast
Sirius Program Uplink Link Budget (Vernon, NJ and Ellenwood, GA)

Parameter                              Uplink              Units
Antenna size                             7.2              meters
Transmitted Frequencies        7062.293, 7070.207          MHz
Antenna Efficiency                      60.0                %
Nominal HPA Power at Flange             30.0               dBW
HPA Backoff                              3.0                dB
HPA to Antenna Loss                      2.5                dB
Power at Feed Flange                    24.5               dBW
Antenna Gain                            50.5                dBi
Nominal Transmitted EIRP                75.0               dBW

Isotropic Area                          38.4             dBW/m^2
Range Distance                         35551.0              km
Range Loss                              200.4               dB
Rain Fade                                2.4                dB
Pointing Loss                            0.5                dB
Received EIRP at Spacecraft            -128.3              dBW
Received Flux Density                   -89.9            dBW/m^2
Required Flux Density                  -100.0            dBW/m^2
SFD Margin                              10.1                dB




                                  13


              FM-6 Satellite Payload Transmission
                    Link Budget (New York City Area)
              Parameters                             Downlink         Units
              Spacecraft Saturated EIRP              71.0              dBW
              Transmitted Frequencies         2322.293, 2330.207       MHz
              Range Loss                            190.8               dB
              Rain Fade                               0.5               dB
              Car Antenna Gain (40°
              Elevation Angle)                             3.7          dBi
              EIRP Received at Car                       -116.6        dBW
              Flux Density Received at Car                -87.8      dBW/M^2

              Total Noise Temperature                    158.0          °K

              Receiver Noise Bandwidth                    66.5        dB-Hz
              Boltzman Constant                          -228.6
              Receiver Noise Power                       -140.1        dBW
              C/N Received at the Car                     23.5          dB
              Required C/N                                 4.0          dB
              Implementation Loss                          1.0          dB
              Link Margin*                                18.5          dB




                   * The minimum Link Margin in the service area is 10.7
                   dB to achieve the required service availability. Additional
                   margin is necessary for many requirements, particularly
                   heavy foliage attenuation which can be many decibels.

A.13.2 TT&C Links


Tables A.13-2 and A.13-3 provide the command and telemetry link budgets for on-station
operations.




                                                    14


              Table A.13-2: Command Link Budget

On-station Command Link Budget (Vernon, NJ and Ellenwood, GA)
Parameters
Command Frequency (GHz)                              7.052, 7.056

Nominal HPA Output (including W/G Losses), dBW           24.5
Antenna size (meters)                                    7.2
Antenna Efficiency                                       0.6
Antenna Gain (dB)                                        50.5
Nominal Transmitted EIRP (dBW)                           75.0

Isotropic Area (dBW/m^2)                                  38.4
Range Distance (Km)                                     35551.0
Range Loss (dB)                                          200.4
Rain Fade (dB)                                             2.4
Nominal Flux Density CMD Omni Antenna
(dBW/m^2)                                                -89.4

Command Omni Antenna Gain (dB)                            -4.0
Command System Noise Temperature (ºK)                    630.0
Command System G/T (dB/ºK)                               -32.0
Boltzman Constant                                       -228.6
Available C/No (dB-Hz)                                    68.8
Data Bandwidth (250 b/s)                                  24.0
Available C/N (dB-Hz)                                    44.8

Transmitted Noise BW (250 b/s)                           24.0
CMD SNR Required for BER=10^-6 (dB)                      10.7
Implementation Loss (dB)                                 1.5
Net C/No Required (dB-Hz)                                36.2

Nominal EIRP at Omni Antenna (dBm)                       -97.8
Losses to CMD Receiver (dB)                               5.20
Power Available at CMD Receiver (including Omni
Gain), dBm                                              -107.0
Spec Requirement for CMD Receiver Sensitivity
(dBm)                                                   -112.0

CMD Receiver Sensitivity Margin (dB)                      5.0




                                   15


               Table A.13-3: Telemetry Link Budget (On-Station Operations)

               On-Station Link Budget for S-band Telemetry with Payload On
                             Vernon, NJ and Ellenwood, GA                S-Band TLM
               Downlink carrier freq (MHz)                                         2331.0
               Reference Bandwidth                                           (BW=200 kHz)
               Downlink e.i.r.p. (dBW)                                               19.4

               Modulation loss (dB)                                                     -8.9
               Range (km)                                                            35551.0
               Path loss (through equator=35551 km) (dB)                              -190.8
               Rain fade (dB)                                                            0.5

               Earth Station Antenna Gain (dBi) 7.2m diameter                           42.2
               System Noise Temp (K)                                                   192.5
               System Noise Temperature (dB-K)                                          22.8
               Earth Station G/T (dB/K)                                                 19.4

               Rec power @Earth surface   dBW/200 kHz                                 -180.8
               Received C/N (dB-Hz)                                                     67.2
               Received C/No and I/No* (dB-Hz)                                          66.5

               Data Bandwidth (4800 bps, BPSK) (dB-Hz)                                  37.6
               Required C/No for BER=10^-6 (dB)                                         11.5
               Implementation Loss (dB)                                                  1.0
               Required C/No (dB-Hz)                                                    50.1

               Telemetry Margin for BER=10^-6 (dB)                                      16.4

               * The Payload Co-pol =56.6 and cross-pol =54.6 transmissions act as
                 additional noise to the telemetry reception




A.14   STATION-KEEPING AND ANTENNA POINTING ACCURACY


The FM-6 satellite will be maintained in longitude within ±0.05° of its nominal orbital location and
in latitude within ±0.05° of the equator. The antenna axis pointing will be maintained within
±0.18° of nominal.


A.15   POWER FLUX DENSITY AT THE EARTH’S SURFACE


There are no PFD limits in the 2310-2360 MHz downlink frequency band according to the FCC
Rules or the ITU Radio Regulations. The PFD requirements of Canada and Mexico are met.




                                                       16


A.16   FREQUENCY TOLERANCE


The satellite local oscillator frequency stability will determine the accuracy of the frequency
conversion between uplink and downlink transmissions. This frequency conversion error will not
exceed ±1 in 106 under all circumstances.


All transmissions that originate from on-board frequency sources (e.g., telemetry downlinks) will
maintain a frequency accuracy of ±0.002% of the reference frequency.


A.17   CESSATION OF EMISSIONS


All communications link transmissions from the satellite can be turned on and off by ground
command, thereby causing cessation of emissions from the satellite, as required.


A.18   LAUNCH VEHICLES


The spacecraft is compatible with several commercially available launch vehicles (Ariane 5, Atlas
V, Proton M / Breeze M and Sea Launch). Proton M/Breeze M is the currently contracted launch
vehicle, and the launch is planned for the fourth quarter of 2011.


A.19   TT&C


The telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) subsystem provides the satellite communications
links for pre-launch, orbit-raising, and on-station operations.      The TT&C system receives
commands from the Satellite Operations Center in Vernon, NJ, authenticates the commands, and
transmits the commands to the satellite. The TT&C system also receives satellite telemetry and
ranging data which is forwarded to the Satellite Operations Center. A backup Satellite Operations
Center is located in New York City. The satellite TT&C system is a standard X/S-band system
and incorporates redundant command receivers, telemetry transmitters, and power amplifiers.
Orbit-raising and contingency operations use wide angle X-Band antennas for command and S-
band wide angle antennas for telemetry. On-station operations utilize the X-Band wide angle
antennas for on-station command operation and the S-band broadcast area coverage antenna for
telemetry. This TT&C system is essentially the same as the standard design for the Space


                                                 17


Systems/Loral 1300 product line. A summary of the TT&C subsystem parameters is given in
Table A.19-1 below.


                  Table A.19-1: Summary of the TT&C Subsystem Parameters

                                                       Transfer Orbit and
                    Parameter                                                           On-Station
                                                            Emergency

                                                      7052.0 MHz (LHCP)             7052.0 MHz (LHCP)
   Command/Ranging Frequencies/Polarization
                                                      7056.0 MHz (LHCP)             7056.0 MHz (LHCP)

   Uplink Flux Density                             Between -90 and -50 dBW/m2 Between -90 and -84 dBW/m2

                                                    +Z +10E ± 110° (E/W) x ±     +Z +10E ± 110° (E/W) x ±
   Uplink Antenna Coverage (relative to the +Z              55° (N/S)                    55° (N/S)
   axis of the spacecraft, antenna boresight)
                                                   -Z -10E ± 50° (E/W) x ± 50° -Z -10E ± 50° (E/W) x ± 50°
                                                              (N/S)                       (N/S)

   Peak Deviation
                                                            ± 400 kHz                    ± 400 kHz
   (Command/Ranging)

                                                      2321.5 MHz (RHCP)             2321.5 MHz (RHCP)
                                                      2322.0 MHz (RHCP)             2322.0 MHz (RHCP)
   Telemetry/Ranging Frequencies
                                                      2330.5 MHz (RHCP)             2330.5 MHz (RHCP)
                                                      2331.0 MHz (RHCP)             2331.0 MHz (RHCP)

                                                    +Z +10E ± 110° (E/W) x ±
   Downlink Antenna Coverage (relative to the               55° (N/S)            +Z ± 17.5° (E/W) x ± 17.5°
   +Z axis of the spacecraft, antenna boresight)                                           (N/S)
                                                   -Z -10E ± 50° (E/W) x ± 50°
                                                              (N/S)
   Maximum Downlink EIRP                                     0 dBW                        20 dBW
 Telemetry/Ranging Modulation Index
          1 sub-carrier                                        1.0                          1.0
          2 sub-carriers                                       0.7                          0.7
          3 sub-carriers                                       0.6                          0.6



A commercially available global TT&C network will be used during the launch and transfer orbit
phases. Once the FM-6 satellite is on-station, TT&C will be performed from a TT&C earth station
located in Vernon, NJ using a 7.2m diameter antenna. The Vernon station will be backed up by a

                                                       18


TT&C station in Ellenwood, GA also equipped with a 7.2m diameter antenna.                 Frequency
coordination data for sharing terrestrial service users will be provided with the license application
to be filed for these earth stations. There will be two Satellite Operations Centers with the primary
one located in Vernon, NJ and the secondary one located at the Sirius XM National Broadcasting
Center in New York City. The network management center will be located in New York, NY.


A.20   SPACECRAFT CHARACTERISTICS


The FM-6 satellite design is based on a Space Systems/Loral 1300 standard satellite platform that
has been optimized for FM-6 broadcast requirements with a 15 year design life, 9 meter diameter
deployable S-Band mesh antenna for operation in a GEO positioned at 115.2o WL. This design is
compatible with a variety of currently commercially available 4 meter fairing launch vehicles.
Final insertion into the GEO orbit is accomplished by orbit raising, utilizing an on-board bi-
propellant liquid propulsion system.


An illustration of the satellite design is shown in Figure A.20-1 below.


                        Figure A.20-1: FM-6 Communications Satellite




                                                 19


The FM-6 satellite is designed to support the unique requirements of the mission while taking
advantage of the Space Systems/Loral 1300 standard satellite platform modular design and
integration techniques, standardized components and processes, and broad experience to deliver
on-orbit performance, high reliability, and long life.


A summary of the satellite design is provided in Table A.20-1 below.


                                 Table A.20-1: Satellite Summary
        Satellite Manufacturer           Space Systems/Loral
        Design Life                      15 years
        Satellite Platform               Space System/Loral 1300
        Power Available (EOL)            18.4 kW
        Batteries                        Li-Ion
        Solar Arrays                     Sun tracking (GaAs panels)
        Stationkeeping                   ±0.05º degrees N/S and E/W
        Attitude Control                 Three-axis stabilized
        Communications Antenna           One 9m diameter S-Band unfurlable mesh
                                         reflector
                                         One 1.2m diameter X-Band reflector
        Command and Telemetry            X-Band Command (orbit-raising & on-station)
                                         S-Band Telemetry (orbit-raising & on-station)


The satellite platform, structure, attitude control, propulsion, power, thermal, and telemetry,
tracking, and command subsystems are described below.


A.20.1 Spacecraft Bus


The FM-6 spacecraft consists of a rectangular main structural body that houses the electronic
equipment internally and supports the communications antennas on the satellite’s faces. The
satellite platform is designed to accommodate the 9 meter diameter deployable S-Band mesh
antenna, rigid X-Band reflector, antenna feed element arrays, tracking solar arrays, and sufficient
surface area for thermal control.

                                                    20


The satellite mass summary is provided in Table A.20-2 below.


                            Table A.20-2: Spacecraft Mass Summary
                                                         Mass (kg)
                                 Satellite Payload         610 kg
                                 Satellite Bus           2.330 kg
                                 Satellite Dry Mass      2,940 kg
                                 Margin (1.2%)             35 kg
                                 Fuel                    3,105 kg
                                 Launch Mass             6,080 kg


A.20.2 Attitude Control Subsystem


The momentum-biased attitude control subsystem (ACS) is composed of earth and sun sensors,
star trackers, hemispheric resonator gyros, momentum wheels, thrusters, and the electronics
equipment required to maintain control of the satellite at all times. This attitude control subsystem
is essentially the same as the standard design for the Space Systems/Loral 1300 product line.


A.20.3 Propulsion Subsystem


The propulsion subsystem for FM-6 will be a combination of chemical and plasma.                 This
propulsion system is essentially the same as the standard design for the Space Systems/Loral 1300
product line that is currently being flown.


The liquid propulsion (chemical) subsystem is a bipropellant system. Propellant and helium
pressurant are stored in tanks within the satellite platform body. One main satellite thruster is
located along the satellite main body axis of thrust and is used for orbit raising. Twelve ACS
thrusters are mounted around the satellite and are used for attitude control. The thrusters provide
the impulse necessary for transfer orbit reorientation, 3-axis attitude control, East/West station
keeping, station changes, and de-orbit maneuvers. The thrusters also provide a backup capability
for North/South station keeping maneuvers.           The satellite has been designed to use the bi-
propellant system to de-orbit at end-of-life.


                                                 21


The stationary plasma thruster subsystem includes four ACS thrusters with Xenon tanks within the
satellite platform. These thrusters provide the primary capability for North/South station keeping.


A.20.4 Electrical Power Subsystem


The electrical power subsystem is designed to provide approximately 19 kW of power at the end of
life (equinox). Power generation is accomplished by two (2) x six (6) panel solar arrays populated
with gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells. The solar arrays track the sun driven by two Solar Array
Drive Assemblies (SADA). A rechargeable Lithium Ion battery is used to store power for eclipse
operations when the solar array is shadowed. This power system is essentially the same as the
standard design for the Space Systems/Loral 1300 product line.


The satellite power requirement summary (EOL, equinox) is provided in Table A.20-3 below.


                     Table A.20-3: Spacecraft Power Requirement Summary
                                        (EOL, Equinox)
                                                           Power EOL (kW)
                     Satellite Payload                     13.0 kW
                     Satellite Bus                           3.5 kW
                     Satellite Total                       16.5 kW


A.20.5 Thermal Control Subsystem


The thermal control subsystem provides a controlled thermal environment throughout the mission.
The thermal control system consists of heat-pipes, surface treatments, radiators, blankets,
insulators, and heaters to maintain all the equipment within the required operating environments.
This thermal system is essentially the same as the standard design for the Space Systems/Loral
1300 product line.


A.20.6 Reliability


Spacecraft bus reliability will be greater than 0.85 with an overall spacecraft reliability at EOL of
greater than 0.76.

                                                 22


A.21   COMMUNICATIONS PAYLOAD


The payload consists of a single high power transponder with a 1.2m diameter receive antenna, 3:1
redundant input section with each chain having an X-S receiver, channel filter assembly with
selectable filters, and S-Band channel amplifier. The channel amplifier feeds a high power TWTA
array consisting of a 44:32 array of 245W, conduction cooled, TWTAs organized into four 11:8
sections.   Each 11:8 section feeds one arm of a four port Ortho Mode Transducer (OMT)
combiner. This combiner was qualified for the rated power levels early in the program. The
combiner output launches into the S-Band feed horn. A shaped 2.28m diameter subreflector is
utilized in a Gregorian configuration with a 9m diameter unfurlable antenna system. The S-band
transmit antenna optics are derived from heritage designs on previous Space Systems/Loral
programs.


The block diagram for the communications payload is shown in Figure A.21-1.




                                               23


                                                                           Figure A.21-1: Block Diagram of the Communications Payload
                                                                                                                                                                      QUADRANT #1
                                                                                                                                                            Commandable
                                                                                                                                                            Phase Shifter
                                                                                                                                                              / Amplifier 245W
                                                                                                                                                                            CC
                                                                                                                                                                         TWTAs                           To
                                                                                                                                                        φ        φ      TWTA                          Detector
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Assembly
         From                                      From                                                                                                                   EPC                            A
                   Detector Assembly A                                    Detector Assembly E
       Quandrant
          #1
                                                 Quandrant
                                                  #1, #2                                                                                                φ        φ      TWTA
                                                                                                                                                                                          245W              To
                                                                                                                                                1                                                        Detector
                                                   From                                                                                         :                                                        Assembly
         From                                                                                                                                                             EPC              H
                                                 Quandrant                Detector Assembly F
       Quandrant   Detector Assembly B                                                                                                          6                                                           E
                                                  #3, #4
          #2
                                                                                                                                                        φ        φ      TWTA                          Harmonic
                                                From
                                                                                                                                                                                         245W           Filter
         From
       Quandrant   Detector Assembly C
                                              Quandrant
                                             #1,#2,#3, #4
                                                                          Detector Assembly G                                                                             EPC                     H      HF
                                                                                                                                                D
          #3                                                                                                                                    I                φ
                                                                                                                                                                                          245W                      980W
                                                                                                                                                V
                                                                                                                                                        φ               TWTA
         From                                                                                                                                   I
       Quandrant   Detector Assembly D                       Linearized Channel                                                                 D                         EPC              H
          #4
                                                              Amps with Internal                                                                E
                                                                                                                                                R
                                                                                                                                                        φ        φ      TWTA
                                                             "Soft Switch Assy"                                                                                                           245W                   To                            T
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dete
                           3-for-1                                  (SSA)                                                                                                 EPC                                 Detector
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Asse
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Assembly
                          X/S Band               Channel Filter Attenuator                                                                              φ        φ      TWTA                                     A                             G
                         RECEIVER                                                LCAMP & SSA
                                                       Channel Filter 1                                                                                                   EPC

                          X/S Receiver                 Channel Filter 3                                                                     φ                                                                              H   1960W
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       TC
                                                                                                                               φ   H
                                                       Channel Filter 2
                                                                                                                           φ                φ                                                                    To
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Detector
                                                                                  LCAMP & SSA                      φ   H
                                                       Channel Filter 1
                                                                                                                           φ
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Assembly         1960W
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 A                     TC
Feed   TC     PF              X/S Receiver             Channel Filter 3                                H
                                                                                                                                                        φ        φ                        245W
                                                                                                                                                                        TWTA                                                                   O
                                                       Channel Filter 2                                                    φ
   X-band                                                                                                          φ   H
                                                                                                                                                1                         EPC              H                                   1960W           M
                                                                                                                                                :
   Receive                                             Channel Filter 1
                                                                                  LCAMP & SSA                              φ                    6                                                                                      TC
                                                                                                                                                        φ        φ      TWTA
   Antenna                    X/S Receiver             Channel Filter 3                                                                                                                   245W                      980W         1960W
                                                       Channel Filter 2
                                                                                                                                                                          EPC                     H      HF
                                                                                                                                                                                          245W                                         TC
                                                                                                                                                D                                                         To
                                                                                                                                                I       φ        φ      TWTA
                                                 CF 1 (Fc = 2322.1MHz, BW= 4.2MHz)                                                                                                                     Detector
                                                                                                                                                V
                                                                                                                                                I                         EPC              H           Assembly
                                                 CF 2 (Fc = 2330.2MHz, BW= 4.2MHz)                                                              D                                                         E
                                                                                                                                                E
                                                 CF 3 (Fc = 2326.3MHz, BW= 12.5MHz)                                                                     φ        φ      TWTA                                                                  S-
                                                                                                                                                R
                                                                                                                                                                                          245W                    To
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Tra
                                                                                                                                                                          EPC                                  Detector
                                      DETECTOR ASSEMBLY BLOCK DIAGRAM                                                                                                                                                                        An
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Assembly
                                                                                                                                                    φ        φ        TWTA                                        A
                                                                                                                                                                         EPC
                                             H                                 Dual Detector Chassis
                                                                                      Module               Baseband
                   S-Band                H                                                                  Primary
                   Detector                                                    Dual Detector Chassis        Detector
                    Inputs                   H                                                              Outputs
                                                                                      Module
                                         H
                                                            100V BUS             DC-DC Converter                                                                                    QUADRANT #2
                                                          ON/OFF CMD
                                                                                     Module
                                                          ON/OFF TLM



                                                                               Dual Detector Chassis
                                                                                      Module               Baseband
                                                                                                           Redundant                                                                QUADRANT #3
                                                                               Dual Detector Chassis        Detector
                                                                                      Module                Outputs

                                                            100V BUS             DC-DC Converter
                                                          ON/OFF CMD
                                                                                     Module
                                                          ON/OFF TLM
                                                                                                                                                                                    QUADRANT #4




                                                                                                                                       24


A.22    ORBITAL DEBRIS MITIGATION


Sirius XM will utilize a satellite and launch vehicle design that minimizes the amount of debris
released during normal operations. Sirius XM and its satellite contractor have performed a careful
assessment and can confirm that no debris will be released by the space station during normal on-
station operations. As noted below, Sirius XM has taken measures to ensure a safe operational
configuration of its satellite system through hardware design and operational procedures. Each
section below addresses specific measures taken by Sirius XM, as required under Section
25.114(d)(14) of the Commission’s rules, to limit the possibility that its space station operations
will generate orbital debris.


Collisions with small debris, meteoroids: Sirius XM has assessed the probability of the space
station becoming a source of debris by collisions with small debris or meteoroids that could cause
loss of control and prevent post-mission disposal. Collisions with the background environment,
including meteoroids, are considered as part of the satellite design. These effects are considered on
a statistical basis to determine collision risk.      Sirius XM’s satellite manufacturer, Space
Systems/Loral, includes meteoroid environments as part of the satellite Environmental
Requirement Specifications.     Literature is reviewed for large size space objects, particularly
technical papers that present collision probability estimates for orbital conditions of interest. The
satellite requirement was derived from these technical papers as well as NASA models to include
debris and meteoroids of various sizes. Sirius XM has taken steps to limit the effects of such
collisions through shielding, the placement of components, and the use of redundant systems.


Accidental explosions, energy sources on board: Sirius XM has assessed and limited the
probability of accidental explosions during and after completion of mission operations.           In
designing the FM-6 satellite, the satellite manufacturer has taken steps to ensure that debris
generation will not result from the conversion of energy sources on board the satellite into energy
that fragments the satellite. In particular, the satellite manufacturer advises that no structural
failures of pressurized volumes have occurred on its satellites to date. Burst tests are performed on
all pressure vessels during qualification testing to demonstrate a margin of safety against burst.
Bipropellant mixing is prevented by the use of valves that prevent backwards flow in propellant
lines and pressurization lines. The Li Ion batteries do not contain any pressure vessels and

                                                 25


procedures will be undertaken by Sirius XM to assure that each battery is discharged at the end of
the mission. Pyrotechnics are nominally only used in the mission as part of the initial deployment
process. After orbit raising to the disposal orbit, all unfired pyrotechnics will be fired as part of the
final satellite decommissioning. Upon reaching the final disposal orbit, all fuel tanks will be close
to empty. All remaining propellants and pressurants will be vented utilizing the on-board thrusters.


Collisions with large debris or operational space stations: Sirius XM has assessed and limited
the probability of the space station becoming a source of debris by collisions with large debris or
other operational space stations. Specifically, Sirius XM has assessed the possibility of collision
with satellites located at, or reasonably expected to be located at, the requested orbital location, or
assigned in the vicinity of that location.


As detailed below, Sirius XM has examined whether its station-keeping volume might overlap
with that of other operational or planned satellites at the 115.2° W.L. orbital location. At this time,
there are no other satellite operators with which Sirius XM must coordinate orbital positioning.
However, Sirius XM intends to coordinate with Solidaridad at 114.9° W.L. and has contacted
ViaSat regarding their planned operations at 115.0° W.L.            Additionally, the XM-4 satellite,
operated by Satellite CD Radio’s sister company, XM Radio Inc., is located at 115.0° W.L. and
will be internally coordinated by Sirius XM.


In considering operational and planned satellites that may have a station-keeping volume that
overlaps the FM-6 satellite, Sirius XM reviewed the lists of FCC licensed systems and systems that
are currently under consideration by the FCC. In addition, networks for which a request for
coordination has been submitted to the ITU in the vicinity of 115.2° W.L. have also been reviewed.
All networks that either operate, or are planned to operate, and can have an overlapping station-
keeping volume with the FM-6 satellite, have been taken into account in the analysis.


In the event that future satellites are authorized to operate at 115.2° W.L. by the US or another
administration, Sirius XM Radio will coordinate the physical operation of its satellite with that
satellite operator.




                                                   26


Sirius XM has selected one of the established launch agencies (International Launch Services) with
a proven record of safe flight planning to minimize the possibilities of any collision during the
launch. The launch contractor will be responsible for collision avoidance maneuvers and launch
analysis of in-flight profile planning.


Post-mission disposal plans (disposal altitude and calculations, fuel reserves): At the end of
the operational life of the FM-6 satellite, Sirius XM will maneuver the satellite into a disposal orbit
with a minimum perigee of 350 km above the normal GSO operational orbit. This proposed
disposal orbit altitude is based on the following calculation, as required in § 25.283:


        Solar array area = 89 m2
        Satellite body area (oriented for max antenna exposure) = 5 m2
        X-band antenna area = 1 m2
        S-band antenna area = 22 m2
        Total Solar Pressure Area “A” = 117 m2


        “M” = Dry Mass of Satellite = 2975 kg
        “CR” = Solar Pressure Radiation Coefficient (worst case) = 2


        Therefore the Minimum Disposal Orbit Perigee Altitude:
                =       36,021 km + 1000 x CR x A/M
                =       36,021 km + 1000 x 2 x 117/2975
                =       36,100 km
                =       314 km above GSO (35,786 km)


To provide adequate margin, the nominal disposal orbit will be increased above this calculated
value of 314 km to a value of 350 km.

The propulsion subsystem design and the FM-6 satellite fuel budget account for the post-mission
disposal of the satellite. 20 kg of propellant will be allocated and reserved for the final orbit
raising maneuvers.


                             ___________________________________

                                                  27


                CERTIFICATION OF PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING
                                  ENGINEERING INFORMATION



          I hereby certify that I am the technically qualified person responsible for preparation of

the engineering information contained in this pleading, that I am familiar with Part 25 of the

Commission’s rules that I have either prepared or reviewed the engineering information

submitted in this pleading, and that it is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and

belief.



                                                        __/s/ Robert D. Briskman____
                                                        Robert D. Briskman, P.E.: 8279 (DC)
                                                        Technical Executive
                                                        Sirius XM Radio Inc.
                                                        1221 Avenue of the Americas
                                                        New York, NY 10020
                                                        (212) 584-5210




Dated: April 9, 2010




                                                   1



Document Created: 2010-04-09 12:56:29
Document Modified: 2010-04-09 12:56:29

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