Attachment SES Americom - Grant

This document pretains to SAT-MOD-20110621-00115 for Modification on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATMOD2011062100115_913874

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$2434        SAT—MOD—20110621—00115      1B2011002281
SES Americom, Inc.
AMC—9                                                                                       cnnsign 32434 GrantDate_O8 /26 /11
                                                                                            (or other identifier)     on Pacy                      Approved by OMB
                                                                                                                                                         3060—0678
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        Date & Time Filed: Jun 21 2011 2:40:20:736PM      |   International Bureau          Al)pm\'cd:
        File Number: SAT—MOD—20110621—00115               ;’m conditiors                _                                       .
                                                                                                                    Chieff     Satellite Policy Branch
           FCC APPLICATION FOR SPACE AND EARTH STATION:MOD OR AMD — MAIN FORM                                                FCC Use Only


                                FCC 312 MAIN FORM FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY


        APPLICANT INFORMATION
        Enter a description of this application to identify it on the main menu:
        §$2434 (AMC—9) MOD to Alter C—Band Coverage Pattern 6/2011
        1—8. Legal Name ofApplicant

                   Name:         SES Americom, Inc.                 Phone Number:                                      202—478—7137
                   DBA                                              Fax Number:                                        202—478—7101
                   Name:

                   Street:       1129 20th Street NW                E—Mail:                                            daniel.mah@ses.com
                                 Suite 1000
                   City:        Washington                          State:                                              DC
                   Country:      USA                                Zipcode:                                           20036         —
                   Attention:   Daniel C.H. Mah


                                            Attachment to Grant
                               IBFS File No. SAT—MOD—20110621—00115
                                            Call Sign $2434

The application of SES Americom, Inc. (SES Americom), IBFS File No. SAT—MOD—20110621—00115, to
modify its authorization to operate the AMC—9 space station (Call Sign $2434) at the 83° W.L. orbital
location in the 3700—4200 MHz (space—to—Earth), 5925—6425 MHz (Earth—to—space), 11.7—12.2 GHz
(space—to—Earth), and 14.0—14.5 GHz (Earth—to—space) frequency bands IS GRANTED. Specifically, SES
Americom is authorized to operate the AMC—9 space station with a 0.4—degree change in the north/south
orientation of the satellite‘s C—band reflector from the orientation previously authorized. This
authorization shall be in accordance with the technical specifications set forth in SES Americom‘s
application, Federal Communication Commission (Commission) rules, and is subject to the conditions
previously placed on operations of the AMC—9 space station at $3° W.L.‘, and the following additional
conditions:

1.       We grant the request of SES Americom for waivers of Sections 25.114(d)(14)(ii) and 25.283(c)
of the Commission‘s rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 25.114(d)(14)(ii) and 25.283(c). These rules require an applicant
to demonstrate that all stored energy will be vented at the spacecraft‘s end of life. AMC—9 is a Thales
Alenia (formerly, Alcatel) Spacebus 3000B3 spacecraft that is not designed to vent all of its pressurized
systems. Following launch of the spacecraft in June, 2003, three helium pressurant tanks were
permanently sealed by firing pyrotechnic valves. As a result, SES Americom states that at the end of
AMC—9‘s operational life, there will be helium remaining in the tanks that cannot be vented. SES
Americom states that the residual helium in AMC—9‘s three helium tanks have masses of 0.54, 0.54, and
0.55 kg and volumes of 51.6, 51.6, and 51.7 liters at a temperature of 12° Celsius. The pressure of each of
the helium tanks is 64.4 bar at a temperature of 12° Celsius. We grant the requested waiver because
AMC—9 was launched before Section 25.283(c) became effective and compliance would require direct
retrieval of the spacecraft, which is not currently possible. In making this determination, however, we
note that the information submitted in the application is not sufficient to support a finding that the intent
of the rule would be satisfied by the described procedure for sealing the helium tanks.

2.      Grant of this modification application does not change the expiration date of the authorization for
AMC—9, which is June 29, 2018.

3.       SES Americom is afforded thirty days from the date of release of this grant and authorization to
decline this authorization as conditioned. Failure to respond within this period will constitute formal
acceptance of the authorization as conditioned.

4.       This action is issued pursuant to Section 0.261 of the Commission‘s rules on delegated authority,
47 C.F.R. § 0.261, and is effective immediately. Petitions for reconsideration under Section 1.106 or
applications for review under Section 1.115 of the Commission‘s rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.106, 1.115, may be
filed within 30 days of the date of the public notice indicating that this action was taken.
                                                             File # SBT mobp— 20116621 — oo 115

                                                             Call Sign 82434          Grant Date os|2s/1)
                                                              (or other identifier)
                                                                                      Torm Dates
                                                             From O8/25))                   o. O6/29/18

                                         International        Approved:
                                      «with Condifions _                        Stephdy/   J. Duall
                                                                               Chief, Satellite Fbfir@ Branch
\ See IBFS File Nos. SAT—LOA—20020114—00008 & SAT—AMD—20030722—00133 (grant stamp June 15, 2004);
SAT—AMD—20040319—00041& SAT—AMD—20040421—00084 (grant stamp Sept. 3, 2004).


9—16. Name of Contact Representative

           Name:       Karis A. Hastings, Esq.     Phone Number:   202—637—5767
           Company:    Hogan Lovells US LLP        Fax Number:     202—637—5910
           Street:     555 Thirteenth Street, NW   E—Mail:         karis.hastings@hoganlovells.com



           City:       Washington                  State:          DC
           Country:     USA                        Zipcode:        20004—1109
          Attention:                               Relationship:   Legal Counsel


CLASSIFICATION OF FILING


17. Choose the button next to the
classification that applies to this filing for   (N/A) b1. Application for License of New Station
both questions a. and b. Choose only one         (N/A) b2. Application for Registration of New Domestic Receive—Only Station
for 17a and only one for 17b.                    £4 b3. Amendment to a Pending Application
                                                  & b4. Modification of License or Registration
   4 al. Earth Station
                                                 b5. Assignment of License or Registration
   @ a2. Space Station                           b6. Transfer of Control of License or Registration
                                                  £y b7. Notification of Minor Modification
                                                  (N/A) b8. Application for License of New Receive—Only Station Using Non—U.S. Licensed
                                                 Satellite
                                                  (N/A) b9. Letter of Intent to Use Non—U.S. Licensed Satellite to Provide Service in the United
                                                 States
                                                  (N/A) b10. Other (Please specify)
                                                    (N/A) b11. Application for Earth Station to Access a Non—U.S.satellite Not Currently Authorized
                                                 to Provide the Proposed Service in the Proposed Frequencies in the United States
                                                    (N/A) b12. Application for Database Entry
                                                  gz b13. Amendment to a Pending Database Entry Application
                                                  g4 b14. Modification of Database Entry

 17¢. Is a fee submitted with this application?
& IfYes, complete and attach FCC Form 159.             If No, indicate reason for fee exemption (see 47 C.FR.Section 1.1114).
3 Governmental Entity         C3 Noncommercial educational licensee
q4 Other(please explain):

17d.

Fee Classification BFY — Space Station Modification(Geostationary)


 18. If this filing is in reference to an    19. If this filing is an amendment to a pending application enter both fields, if this filing is a
 existing station, enter:                    modification please enter only the file number:
 (a) Call sign of station:                   (a) Date pending application was filed:               (b) File number:
      $2434
                                                                                                   SATLOA2002011400008



TYPE OF SERVICE
20. NATURE OF SERVICE: This filing is for an authorization to provide or use the following type(s) of service(s): Select all that apply:

E a. Fixed Satellite
D b. Mobile Satellite
l:l c. Radiodetermination Satellite
D d. Earth Exploration Satellite
E e. Direct to Home Fixed Satellite
D £. Digital Audio Radio Service
D g. Other (please specify)


21. STATUS: Choose the button next to the applicable status. Choose        |22. If earth station applicant, check all that apply.
only one.                                                                  D Using U.S. licensed satellites
q73 Common Carrier           giy Non—Common Carrier                        D Using Non—U.S. licensed satellites

23. If applicant is providng INTERNATIONAL COMMON CARRIER service, see instructions regarding Sec. 214 filings. Choose one. Are these
facilities:
C Connected to a Public Switched Network         C3 Not connected to a Public Switched Network            € N/A


 24. FREQUENCY BAND(S): Place an ‘X" in the box(es) next to all applicable frequency band(s).
E a. C—Band (4/6 GHz) E b. Ku—Band (12/14 GHz)
[:l c.Other (Please specify upper and lower frequencies in MHz.)
        Frequency Lower:        Frequency Upper: (Please specify additional frequencies in an attachment)


TYPE OF STATION
25. CLASS OF STATION: Choose the button next to the class of station that applies. Choose only one.
3 a Fixed Earth Station
C3 b. Temporary—Fixed Earth Station
«34 c. 12/14 GHz VSAT Network
4 d. Mobile Earth Station
, e. Geostationary Space Station
£74 £. Non—Geostationary Space Station
{74 g. Other (please specify)


26. TYPE OF EARTH STATION FACILITY:
«34 Transmit/Receive C3 Transmit—Only            3 Receive—Only       ) N/A
"For Space Station applications, select N/A."


PURPOSE OF MODIFICATION


27. The purpose of this proposed modification is to: (Place an °X" in the box(es) next to all that apply.)


    D a —— authorization to add new emission designator and related service
    D b —— authorization to change emission designator and related service
    D c —— authorization to increase EIRP and EIRP density
    D d —— authorization to replace antenna
    D e —— authorization to add antenna
    E] f —— authorization to relocate fixed station
    D g —— authorization to change frequency(ies)
     D h — authorization to add frequency
    D i —— authorization to add Points of Communication (satellites & countries)
    D j —— authorization to change Points of Communication (satellites & countries)
         k —— authorization for facilities for which environmental assessment and
radiation hazard reporting is required
     D 1 —— authorization to change orbit location
    D m —— authorization to perform fleet management
    [j n —— authorization to extend milestones
    E o —— Other (Please specify)


ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY


28. Would a Commission grant of any proposal in this application or amendment have a significant environmental         3 Yes @ No
impact as defined by 47 CFR 1.13077? IfYES, submit the statement as required by Sections 1.1308 and 1.1311 of
the Commission‘s rules, 47 C.F.R. 1.1308 and 1.1311, as an exhibit to this application.A Radiation Hazard Study
must accompany all applications for new transmitting facilities, major modifications, or major amendments.



ALIEN OWNERSHIP Earth station applicants not proposing to provide broadcast, common carrier, aeronautical en route or
aeronautical fixed radio station services are not required to respond to Items 30—34.


29. Is the applicant a foreign government or the representative of any foreign government?                             Cp Yes fod No




30. Is the applicant an alien or the representative of an alien?                                                       4 Yes ®@ No 54 N/A




31. Is the applicant a corporation organized under the laws of any foreign government?                                 C Yes @ No o N/A




32. Is the applicant a corporation of which more than one—fifth of the capital stock is owned of record or voted by    £3 Yes g No 54 N/A
aliens or their representatives or by a foreign government or representative thereof or by any corporation organized
under the laws of a foreign country?


33. Is the applicant a corporation directly or indirectly controlled by any other corporation of which more than          @ Yes q3 No ;3 N/A
one—fourth of the capital stock is owned of record or voted by aliens, their representatives, or by a foreign
government or representative thereof or by any corporation organized under the laws of a foreign country?




34. If any answer to questions 29, 30, 31, 32 and/or 33 is Yes, attach as an exhibit an identification of the aliens or   Exhibit A
foreign entities, their nationality, their relationship to the applicant, and the percentage of stock they own or vote.



BASIC QUALIFICATIONS


35. Does the Applicant request any waivers or exemptions from any of the Commussion‘s Rules?                                  . Yes    «y No
IfYes, attach as an exhibit, copies of the requests for waivers or exceptions with supporting documents.




36. Has the applicant or any party to this application or amendment had any FCC station authorization or license              £4 Yes   @ No
revoked or had any application for an initial, modification or renewal of FCC station authorization, license, or
construction permit denied by the Commission? IfYes, attach as an exhibit, an explination of circumstances.


37. Has the applicant, or any party to this application or amendment, or any party directly or indirectly controlling        C3 Yes   @NO
the applicant ever been convicted of a felony by any state or federal court? IfYes, attach as an exhibit, an
explination of circumstances.




38. Has any court finally adjudged the applicant, or any person directly or indirectly controlling the applicant,            .D Yes   @No
guilty of unlawfully monopolizing or attemptiing unlawfully to monopolize radio communication, directly or
indirectly, through control of manufacture or sale of radio apparatus, exclusive traffic arrangement or any other
means or unfair methods of competition?IfYes, attach as an exhibit, an explanation of circumstances




39. Is the applicant, or any person directly or indirectly controlling the applicant, currently a party in any pending       .D Yes   @.No
matter referred to in the preceding two items? If yes, attach as an exhinit, an explanation of the circumstances.




40. If the applicant is a corporation and is applying for a space station license, attach as an exhibit the names,
address, and citizenship of those stockholders owning a record and/or voting 10 percent or more of the Filer‘s
voting stock and the percentages so held. In the case of fiduciary control, indicate the beneficiary(ies) or class of    Exhibit B
beneficiaries. Also list the names and addresses of the officers and directors of the Filer.


41. By checking Yes, the undersigned certifies, that neither applicant nor any other party to the application is                Yes      £3 No
subject to a denial of Federal benefits that includes FCC benefits pursuant to Section 5301 of the Anti—Drug Act of
 1988, 21 U.S.C. Section 862, because of a conviction for possession or distribution of a controlled substance. See
47 CFR 1.2002(b) for the meaning of "party to the application&gquot; for these purposes.




42a. Does the applicant intend to use a non—U.S. licensed satellite to provide service in the United States? IfYes,         «4 Yes       ) No
answer 42b and attach an exhibit providing the information specified in 47 C.F.R. 25.137, as appropriate. If No,
proceed to question 43.




42b. What administration has licensed or is in the process of licensing the space station? If no license will be issued, what administration has
coordinated or is in the process of coordinating the space station?




43. Description. (Summarize the nature of the application and the services to be provided).    (If the complete description does not appear in this
box, please go to the end of the form to view it in its entirety.)
     SES Americom,        Inc.    hereby seeks a modification of the license for AMC—9,                               call sign $2434,
     to reflect a slightly altered C—band coverage pattern than what was originally authorized
     for the satellite at this orbital location.


Narrative




10


43a. Geographic Service Rule Certification                                                                                    @ A
By selecting A, the undersigned certifies that the applicant is not subject to the geographic service or geographic
coverage requirements specified in 47 C.F.R. Part 25.
                                                                                                                              y B
By selecting B, the undersigned certifies that the applicant is subject to the geographic service or geographic
coverage requirements specified in 47 C.FE.R. Part 25 and will comply with such requirements.
                                                                                                                              «y C
By selecting C, the undersigned certifies that the applicant is subject to the geographic service or geographic
coverage requirements specified in 47 C.F.R. Part 25 and will not comply with such requirements because it is not
feasible as a technical matter to do so, or that, while technically feasible, such services would require so many
compromises in satellite design and operation as to make it economically unreasonable. A narrative description
and technical analysis demonstrating this claim are attached.




CERTIFICATION
The Applicant waives any claim to the use of any particular frequency or of the electromagnetic spectrum as against the regulatory power of the
United States because of the previous use of the same, whether by license or otherwise, and requests an authorization in accordance with this
application. The applicant certifies that grant of this application would not cause the applicant to be in violation of the spectrum aggregation limit
in 47 CFR Part 20. All statements made in exhibits are a material part hereof and are incorporated herein as if set out in full in this application.
The undersigned, individually and for the applicant, hereby certifies that all statements made in this application and in all attached exhibits are
true, complete and correct to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, and are made in good faith.




11


44. Applicant is a (an): (Choose the button next to applicable response.)


 £3 Individual
 g34 Unincorporated Association
 «4 Partnership
 &gy Corporation
 C Governmental Entity
 g4 Other (please specify)




     45. Name of Person Signing                                             46. Title of Person Signing
     Daniel C.H. Mah                                                        Regulatory Counsel
       ——>


             WILLFUL FALSE STATEMENTS MADE ON THIS FORM ARE PUNISHABLE BY FINE AND / OR IMPRISONMENT
                      (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001), AND/OR REVOCATION OF ANY STATION AUTHORIZATION
                   (U.S. Code, Title 47, Section 312(a)(1)), AND/OR FORFEITURE (U.S. Code, Title 47, Section 503).




12


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13


                                            Before the
                      FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
                               Washington, D.C. 20554


In the Matter of




                                                         N/ N/ N/ NZ/NZ/NZ
SES AMERICOM, INC.                                                           File No. SAT—MOD—
                                                                             Call Sign $2434
Application for Modification of AMC—9
Fixed—Satellite Space Station License


                            REQUEST OF SES AMERICOM, INC.

               SES Americom, Inc. ("SES Americom"), hereby respectfully requests

modification of its license for the AMC—9 fixed—satellite space station at 83° W.L. to reflect a

slightly altered C—band coverage pattern than what was originally authorized for the satellite at

this orbital location. Grant of the requested authority will enable SES Americom to provide

enhanced service to the Southern United States, Mexico and Central America in response to

customer demand.

               A completed FCC Form 312 is attached, and SES Americom incorporates by

reference the technical information previously provided in support of AMC—9.‘ In addition, SES

Americom is providing information relating to the proposed modification to the AMC—9 license

in the attached Technical Appendix.




!     See File Nos. SAT—LOA—20020114—00008; SAT—AMD—20030722—00133; SAT—AMD—
20040319—00041; & SAT—AMD—20040421—00084.


                                        MODIFICATION

               AMC—9 is a C/Ku—band hybrid spacecraft launched in 2003 and operating at

83° W.L.‘ In response to the service requirements of a potential customer, SES Americom seeks

modification of the AMC—9 license to reflect a repointing of the satellite‘s C—band reflector

slightly southward. SES Americom has already implemented this change pursuant to a grant of

Special Temporary Authority," and now seeks modification of the AMC—9 license in order to

retain the altered coverage configuration on a long—term basis.

               As SES Americom described in the AMC—9 STA Request, the repointing involved

a .4 degree change in the north/south orientation of the C—band reflector from what was

previously authorized in order to strengthen the C—band signal levels over the southern United

States, Mexico and Central America." The AMC—9 C—band and Ku—band reflectors are on

different gimbals, and SES Americom has reoriented only the C—band reflector. No change in

the satellite‘s Ku—band footprint is planned.

               Retaining the revised orientation of the AMC—9 C—band reflector will not

adversely affect any other operators. Contour maps showing the AMC—9 C—band coverage area

with the proposed reorientation are included in the attached Technical Appendix. As the

Technical Appendix demonstrates, the small shift in AMC—9‘s C—band antenna coverage has a

negligible effect on the interference environment in which adjacent satellites operate. The

closest operational C—band satellite to the west of AMC—9 is the Brazilian—licensed Brasilsat B4

2     See Call Sign $2434, File Nos. SAT—LOA—20020114—00008 & SAT—AMD—20030722—
00133 (grant—stamped June 15, 2004); SAT—AMD—20040319—00041 & SAT—AMD—20040421—
00084 (grant—stamped Sept. 3, 2004).

3      See Call Sign $2434, File No. SAT—STA—20110301—00043 ("AMC—9 STA Request"),
grant—stamped Mar. 25, 2011.

4      iSee id., Natrative at 1—2.


spacecraft at 84° W.L., which has coverage of Brazil and parts of South America, but not of

Central America, Mexico, or the U.S." To the east of AMC—9, the closest C—band satellite is

Intelsat 3R, which has been authorized by the Commission to operate temporarily at 81° W.L.

pursuant to the International Telecommunication Union ("ITU") filings of the Administration of

Argentina." The operations of AMC—9 with the slight change in pointing discussed herein

continue to be consistent with SES Americom‘s coordination agreements, including its

agreements with Brazil and Argentina.

               The Commission has generally permitted satellite operators the flexibility to

design and modify their networks in response to customer requirements, absent compelling

countervailing public interest considerations.‘ Here, grant of the requested modification will

allow SES Americom to operate AMC—9 with a C—band coverage pattern that has been adjusted

to respond to customer demand.

                                     WAIVER REQUEST

               SES Americom seeks any necessary waiver of Sections 25.114(d)(14)(ii) and

25.283(c) of the Commussion‘s rules in connection with the requested AMC—9 modification.

Grant of the waiver is consistent with Commission policy:

                      The Commission may waive a rule for good cause shown.
                      Waiver is appropriate if special circumstances warrant a
                      deviation from the general rule and such deviation would


*      See http://www.lyngsat—maps.com/maps/brasilb4_national.html;
http://www.satbeams.com/footprints.

6      See Call Sign PAS—2R, File No. SAT—STA—20100402—00063 (grant—stamped Aug. 3,
2010).

7        See, e.g. AMSC Subsidiary Corporation, 13 FCC Red 12316 at «| 8 (IB 1998) (the
Commission generally leaves space station design decisions to the licensee "because the licensee
is in a better position to determine how to tailor its system to meet the particular needs of its
customers.") (footnote omitted).


                       better serve the public interest than would strict adherence
                       to the general rule. Generally, the Commuission may grant a
                       waiver of its rules in a particular case if the relief requested
                       would not undermine the policy objective of the rule in
                       question and would otherwise serve the public interest."

               Sections 25.114(d)(14)(i1i) and 25.283(c) address requirements relating to venting

stored energy sources at the spacecraft‘s end of life." AMC—9 is a Thales Alenia (formerly

Alcatel) Spacebus 3000B3 model spacecraft and was constructed and launched before the

venting requirement in Section 25.283(c) came into effect. As described in more detail in the

attached Technical Appendix, the Spacebus 3000B3 has three helium tanks that were sealed

following completion of the launch phase and will therefore retain residual pressure at end of life.

Given the spacecraft design, it is physically impossible for SES Americom to vent these tanks in

order to comply with Section 25.283(c).

               Under Commission precedent, grant of a waiver is warranted. In a number of

cases involving various spacecraft models with similar limitations, the Commission has waived

Section 25.283(c) to permit launch and operation of spacecraft that do not allow for full venting

of pressure vessels at end of life, based on a finding that modifying the space station design at a

late stage of construction would pose an undue hard.ship.10 In the case of AMC—9, which was


8      PanAmSat Licensee Corp., 17 FCC Red 10483, 10492 (Sat. Div. 2002) (footnotes
omitted).         '

9       Section 25.283(c) contains the substantive venting requirement, and
Section 25.114(d)(14)(ii) requires applicants to submit information that addresses "whether
stored energy will be removed at the spacecraft‘s end of life." 47 C.F.R. § 25.114(d)(14)(ii).

!0     See, eg., DIRECTYEnterprises LLC, File No. SAT—LOA—20090807—00086, Call Sign
$2797, grant—stamped Dec. 15, 2009, Attachment at «[ 4 (granting a partial waiver of Section
25.283(c) for DIRECTV 12, a Boeing 702 model spacecraft, on grounds that requiring
modification of satellite would present an undue hardship); Pand4mSat Licensee Corp., File Nos.
SAT—MOD—20070207—00027, SAT—AMD—20070716—00102, Call Sign $2237, grant—stamped
Oct. 4, 2007, Attachment at [ 7 (granting a partial waiver of Section 25.283(c) for Intelsat 11 on
grounds of undue hardship).


launched and operational before the venting requirements came into effect, there is no question

of bringing the satellite into compliance with the rule. The Commission has expressly

recognized this, finding a waiver of Section 25.283(c) to be justified for in—orbit spacecraft that

cannot satisfy the rule‘s requirements. For example, in a decision involving the SES Americom

AMC—5 satellite, which like AMC—9 was launched before Section 25.283(c) took effect, the

Commission waived the rule on its own motion, observing that venting the spacecraft‘s sealed

helium tanks "would require direct retrieval of the spacecraft.""‘

               The same practical obstacle is present here. Because AMC—9 is already in orbit,

SES Americom can do nothing to enable full venting of residual pressure in the helium tanks.

Given this reality, waiver is clearly warranted; there is no possible public interest benefit in

requiring strict adherence to a rule with which the licensee is incapable of complying.

               The inability to vent all residual helium will not compromise safe disposal of the

spacecraft. The pressure remaining in the tanks will be well below their tolerances, and the

residual helium is inert, posing no risk of chemical energy release. Under these circumstances,

grant of any necessary waiver of Section 25.283(c) is warranted.




U      File No. SAT—MOD—20100706—00154, Call Sign $2156, grant—stamped Jan. 20, 2011,
Attachment at [ 4. See also XMRadio Inc., File No. SAT—MOD—20100722—00165, Call Sign
$2616, grant—stamped Oct. 14, 2010, Attachment at 2 (waiving Section 25.283(c) for XM—4, a
Boeing 702 model spacecraft, because "modification of the spacecraft would present an undue
hardship, since XM—4 is an in—orbit space station and venting XM—4‘s helium and xenon tanks
would require direct retrieval of the satellite, which is not currently possible").


                                        CONCLUSION

               For the foregoing reasons, SES Americom respectfully requests modification of

the AMC—9 license to reflect repointing of the C—band reflector as described herein.

                                             Respectfully submitted,

                                             SES AMERICOM, INC.

                                             By: /s/ Daniel C.H. Mah

Of Counsel                                       Daniel C. H. Mah
Karis A. Hastings                                Regulatory Counsel
Hogan Lovells US LLP                             SES Americom, Inc.
555 13"" Street, N.W.                            Four Research Way
Washington, D.C. 20004—1109                      Princeton, NJ 08540
Tel: (202) 637—5600
Dated: June 20, 2011


                            TECHNICAL APPENDIX

1.      Introduction
This technical appendix is submitted in support of the application of SES Americom, Inc.
("SES Americom") for a modification of its license for the AMC—9 spacecraft at 83° W.L.
to reflect a slightly altered C—band coverage pattern than what was originally authorized
for the satellite at this orbital location. SES Americom incorporates by reference herein
the technical information it has already provided with respect to AMC—9," and provides
here technical information that is changing as a result of the proposed modification.

2.    Gain Contours
SES Americom is attaching contour maps (Figures 1 to 4) showing the revised C—band
EIRP and G/T patterns for typical horizontally and vertically polarized transponders of
AMC—9 at 83° W.L.*
3.     Link Budgets and Interference Analysis
An interference analysis was submitted to the Commission in connection with the initial
operation of AMC—9 at 83° W.L. demonstrating that operation of AMC—9 was compatible
with adjacent satellites and with the Commission‘s two—degree spacing requirements.*
The analysis herein shows that the revised pointing of the AMC—9 C—band antenna has
a negligible impact on the interference environment for adjacent satellites.

The C—band EIRP for AMC—9 over Mexico with the original pointing ranged from 36 to
40 dBW; with the revised pointing the range is 38 to 40.9 dBW. As a result, AMC—9‘s C—
band EIRP over Mexico increased by a typical value of 1 dB, with an increase of 2 dB at
the edge of Mexican coverage (from 36 to 38 dBW). To determine the effect of this
2 dB increase in the EIRP at the edge of coverage we have computed the C/I in a non—
SES carrier from an orbital location that is two degrees away from 83° W.L., serving
Mexico. The C/I computation is based on the following parameters:

   a) EIRP of the wanted (i.e., non—SES) satellite: 37 dBW
   b) EIRP of the interfering (SES) satellite: 36 dBW with original configuration of
      AMC—9, and 38 dBW with repointing
   c) Receiver earth station diameter: 4.5 m
   d) Wanted carrier threshold C/N: 8 dB
   e) C/I in the victim carrier with interference from AMC—9 current configuration:
      23.1 dB

! See File Nos. SAT—LOA—20020114—00008; SAT—AMD—20030722—00133; SAT—AMD—
20040319—00041; & SAT—AMD—20040421—00084.

" As discussed above, no change is proposed in the AMC—9 Ku—band coverage pattern.

° See Call Sign $2434, File No. SAT—AMD—20040421—00084, Technical Appendix,
Attachment B.


   f) C/l in the victim carrier with interference from AMC—9 after repointing: 21.1 dB
   g) C/N in victim carrier with interference from AMC—9 with original configuration:
      7.87 dB
   h) C/N in victim carrier with interference from AMC—9 with re—pointing: 7.79 dB

The increase in the victim‘s system noise temperature due to AMC—9 with the original
configuration is 0.13 dB, or 3%. With the revised pointing, the noise temperature
increase is slightly degraded to 0.21 dB, or 5%. In both of these cases, the system
noise temperature increase is less than the 6% Delta T/T ITU coordination trigger
criteria; 7.e., internationally, if a 6% increase in noise temperature is not exceeded, then
coordination is not needed between the concerned networks.

As discussed above in the narrative, the closest adjacent C—band satellites to 83° W.L.
are the Brazilian—licensed Brasilsat B4 spacecraft at 84° W.L. and Intelsat 3R, which has
been authorized by the Commission to operate temporarily at 81° W.L. pursuant to the
ITU filings of the Administration of Argentina. Operation of AMC—9 with the repointing
discussed herein is consistent with the terms of the existing coordination agreements
applicable to operation of AMC—9 and the Brazilian and Argentinean networks.

4.      Schedule S
As discussed above, the proposed modification of the AMC—9 license will not result in
any material changes to the spacecraft‘s operating characteristics or to the interference
environment. As a result, the information requested in Schedule S duplicates
information that is already on file with the Commission concerning the technical
parameters of AMC—9‘s operation. In similar cases involving requests for minor
operational changes, such as slight offsets from the nominal orbital position, the
Satellite Division has not required the submission of a new Schedule S.* Accordingly,
SES Americom is not filing a new Schedule S with this application. SES Americom will
nevertheless prepare and submit a Schedule S if requested to do so by the Satellite
Division.

5.     Orbital Debris Mitigation Statement
This section provides the information required under Section 25.114(d)(14) of the
Commission‘s Rules.

§25.114(d)(14)(i): SES Americom has assessed and limited the amount of debris
released in a planned manner during normal operations of AMC—9. No debris is
generated during normal on—station operations, and the spacecraft will be in a stable
configuration. On—station operations require stationkeeping within the +/— 0.05 degree
N—S and E—W control box, thereby ensuring adequate collision avoidance distance from
other satellites in geosynchronous orbit. In the event that co—location of this and
another satellite is required, use of the proven Inclination—Eccentricity (I—E) separation

* See, e.g., File No. SAT—MOD—20040405—00076 (PanAmSat request for authority to
operate SBS—6 at 74.05° W.L. rather than 74.0° W.L.).

                                             2


method can be employed. This strategy is presently in use by SES to ensure proper
operation and safety of multiple satellites within one orbital box..

SES Americom has also assessed and limited the probability of the space station
becoming a source of orbital debris by collisions with small debris or meteoroids that
could cause loss of control and prevent post—mission disposal. The design of AMC—9
locates all sources of stored energy within the body of the structure, which provides
protection from small orbital debris. SES Americom requires that spacecraft
manufacturers assess the probability of micrometeorite damage that can cause any loss
of functionality. This probability is then factored into the ultimate spacecraft probability
of success. Any significant probability of damage would need to be mitigated in order
for the spacecraft design to meet SES Americom‘s required probability of success of the
mission. SES Americom has taken steps to limit the effects of any collisions through
shielding, the placement of components, and the use of redundant systems.

§25.114(d)(14)(ii): SES Americom has assessed and limited the probability of
accidental explosions during and after completion of mission operations. As part of the
Safety Data Package submission for SES Americom spacecraft, an extensive analysis
is completed by the spacecraft manufacturer, reviewing each potential hazard relating to
accidental explosions. A matrix is generated indicating the worst—case effect, the
hazard cause, and the hazard controls available to minimize the severity and the
probability of occurrence. Each subsystem is analyzed for potential hazards, and the
Safety Design Package is provided for each phase of the program running from design
phase, qualification, manufacturing and operational phase of the spacecraft. Also, the
spacecraft manufacturer generates a Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis for
the spacecraft to identify all potential mission failures. The risk of accidental explosion
is included as part of this analysis. This analysis indicates failure modes, possible
causes, methods of detection, and compensating features of the spacecraft design.

The design of the AMC—9 spacecraft is such that the risk of explosion is minimized both
during and after mission operations. In designing and building the spacecraft, the
manufacturer took 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. All propulsion subsystem pressure vessels, which have high margins of safety
at launch, have even higher margins in orbit, since use of propellants and pressurants
during launch decreases the propulsion system pressure. 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 and pressurization lines. All pressures, including those of
the batteries, are monitored by telemetry.

At the end of operational life, after the satellite has reached its final disposal orbit,
onboard sources of stored energy will be depleted or secured, and the batteries will be
discharged. However, at the end of AMC—9‘s operational life, there will be helium
remaining in the tanks that cannot be vented. Following insertion of the spacecraft into


 orbit, the spacecraft manufacturer permanently sealed the helium tanks by firing
 pyrotechnic valves. Information regarding the residual helium in the tanks is as follows:

   ank       Volume [1]       ressure     [bar    emp. [deg    C      Helium mass
  He1        51.6              4                  12                   54
  He2        51.6              A                  12                  0.54
  He3          1.7          64.4                  12                   .55

 The residual helium is inert, posing no risk of chemical energy release. Furthermore,
 the tanks are well shielded, and the residual pressure in the tanks will be well below
 their maximum rating. In the narrative portion of this application, SES Americom
 requests any necessary waiver of Sections 25.114(d)(14)(ii) and 25.283(c) in
 connection with the residual helium that will remain in these tanks at the end of the
 satellite‘s life.

 §25.114(d)(14)(iii): SES Americom 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, SES Americom 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.

 Regarding avoidance of collisions with controlled objects, in general, if a
 geosynchronous satellite is controlled within its specified longitude and latitude
 stationkeeping limits, collision with another controlled object (excluding where the
 satellite is collocated with another object) is the direct result of that object entering the
 allocated space.

 The instant application seeks authority for continued operation of AMC—9 at the 83° W.L.
 orbital location. SES Americom is not aware of any other FCC— or non—FCC licensed
 spacecraft that are operational or planned to be deployed at 83° W.L. or to nearby
 orbital locations such that there would be an overlap with the requested stationkeeping
 volume of AMC—9.

 SES Americom uses the Space Data Center ("SDC") system from the Space Data
 Association to monitor the risk of close approach of its satellites with other objects. Any
 close encounters (separation of less than 10 km) are flagged and investigated in more
 detail. If required, avoidance maneuvers are performed to eliminate the possibility of
 collisions.

  During any relocation, the moving spacecraft is maneuvered such that it is at least
  30 km away from the synchronous radius at all times. In most cases, much larger
— deviation from the synchronous radius is used. In addition, the SDC system is used to
  ensure no close encounter occurs during the move. When de—orbit of a spacecraft is


required, the initial phase is treated as a satellite move, and the same precautions are
used to ensure collision avoidance.

§25.114(d)(14)(iv): Post—mission disposal of the satellite from operational orbit will be
accomplished by carrying out maneuvers to a higher orbit. The upper stage engine
remains part of the satellite, and there is no re—entry phase for either component. The
fuel budget for elevating the satellite to a disposal orbit is included in the satellite design.
SES Americom plans to maneuver AMC—9 to a disposal orbit at end of life with a
minimum perigee of 294.8 km above the normal operational altitude. The proposed
disposal orbit altitude complies with the altitude resulting from application of the IADC
formula based on the following calculation:
       Area of the satellite (average aspect area): 68 m
       Mass of the spacecraft: 1705.7 kg
       CR (solar radiation pressure coefficient): 1.5
Therefore the minimum disposal orbit perigee altitude as calculated under the IADC
formula is:                      ‘
36,021 km + (1000 x CR x A/m) = 36080.8 km, or 294.8 km above the GSO arc (35,786
km).

SES Americom intends to reserve 42.7 kg of fuel in order to account for post—mission
disposal of AMC—9. SES Americom has assessed fuel—gauging uncertainty and has
provided an adequate margin of fuel reserve to address the assessed uncertainty.


             CONTOUR MAPS FOR PROPOSED REORIENTATION OF
             C—BAND ANTENNA ON AMC—9 SPACECRAFT AT 83° W.L.
Figure 1: EIRP contour (dBW) for typical transponder with vertical downlink polarization

Figure 2: G/T contour (dB/K) for typical transponder with horizontal uplink polarization

Figure 3: EIRP contour (dBW) for typical transponder with horizontal downlink
polarization

Figure 4: G/T contour (dB/K) for typical transponder with vertical uplink polarization






                                          Figure 3




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                     DECLARATION OF KRISH JONNALAGADDA

              |, Krish Jonnalagadda, hereby certify under penalty of perjury that | am the
technically qualified person responsible for preparation of the technical information
contained in the foregoing exthibit; that I am familiar with the technical requirements of
Part 25; and that | either prepared or reviewed the technical information contained in the
exhibit and that it is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge, information
and belief.

                                                /s/ Krish Jonnalagadda
                                                SES Americom, Inc.

Dated: June 20, 2011



Document Created: 2011-08-26 11:37:19
Document Modified: 2011-08-26 11:37:19

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