Attachment Technical Annex

This document pretains to SAT-MOD-20160527-00053 for Modification on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATMOD2016052700053_1137439

                                 Supplemental Technical Annex



A.1        SCOPE AND PURPOSE


ViaSat, Inc. (“ViaSat”) has Commission-authorization to operate the Ka-band VIASAT-2 satellite
at 69.9° W.L. Specifically, ViaSat has been granted U.S. market access to provide FSS using the
28.1-29.1 GHz and 29.5-30 GHz bands (Earth-to-space) and the 18.3-19.3 GHz and 19.7-20.2 GHz
bands (space-to-Earth). For ease of reference herein, these bands are defined as being the “upper”
Ka-bands. ViaSat seeks to modify its authorization to add the 27.5-28.1 GHz band (Earth-to-
space) and the 17.7-18.3 GHz band (space-to-Earth). For ease of reference herein, these bands are
defined as being the “lower” Ka-bands. ViaSat has previously communicated to the Commission
that the VIASAT-2 satellite is capable of operating using these lower Ka-bands. 1


The purpose of this Annex and the associated Schedule S form is to describe the technical and
operational characteristics of the 27.5-28.1 GHz and 17.7-18.3 GHz bands used by the VIASAT-2
satellite.


A.2        GENERAL


The technical parameters of the 27.5-28.1 GHz and 17.7-18.3 GHz bands used by the VIASAT-2
satellite are identical to those previously provided to the Commission for the “upper” Ka-bands
of the satellite. More specifically, the following parameters are identical between the two sets of
bands:


      1) Peak and edge-of-coverage satellite antenna gains.




1
    See ViaSat, Inc., IBFS File No. SAT-MOD-20141105-00121, Exhibit A at 1, n.1.

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      2) Maximum downlink EIRP and EIRP densities (the latter with respect to the 18.8-19.3
         GHz band only; see section A.5, below).
      3) Maximum and minimum saturating flux-densities.
      4) Satellite antenna gain contours and service areas (in both uplink and downlink
         directions).
      5) Minimum satellite beam cross-polarization isolation performance.


The “lower” bands will not be used for TT&C purposes. The TT&C parameters set forth in A.6
of the Technical Information in Attachment A of SAT-MOD-20141105-00121 that the
Commission has already approved for VIASAT-2 remain unchanged by this modification
application.


A.3      FREQUENCY AND POLARIZATION PLAN


The relevant frequency plan is given in Table A.3-1, indicating channel center, polarization and
bandwidth. The table also shows the connectivity between each uplink and downlink band.
Circular polarization is used on both the uplink and downlink with the downlink polarization being
orthogonal to the uplink polarization. The satellite re-uses the spectrum such that any channel is
re-used multiple times by a combination of polarization and spatial isolation. This satisfies the
requirements of §25.210(f) of the FCC’s Part 25 rules (the “Rules”).


                        Table A.3-1. Frequency Plan for U.S. Market Access
                                          Corresponding
 Uplink Center
                            Uplink       Downlink Center        Downlink           Bandwidth
  Frequency
                          Polarization     Frequency           Polarization          (MHz)
    (MHz)
                                             (MHz)
        27800            RHCP, LHCP           18000            LHCP, RHCP              600




                                                   2


A.4    SATELLITE ANTENNA BEAMS AND ANTENNA GAIN CONTOURS


The satellite’s payload employs multiple spot beams in both the uplink and downlink directions.
There are two types of spot beams: small beams (“A”-type beams) and larger beams (“B”-type
beams). For each beam-type, the beams are nominally identical.


ViaSat has previously provided the Commission with an isoline gain contour, in both uplink and
downlink directions, that depict, on a composite basis across the entire coverage area of the
satellite, the maximum gain of all spot beams that may be operated within that area. In addition,
the predicted antenna gain contours for one transmit and receive representative spot beam for
each of the two beam types, and in both polarizations, were also provided to the Commission.
As stated in section A.2 above, the satellite antenna beam gain contours applicable to the 27.5-
28.1 GHz and 17.7-18.3 GHz bands are identical to those previously provided to the
Commission for the “upper” Ka-bands used by the satellite. Accordingly, ViaSat incorporates
those beam contours by reference, based on the waiver of Section 25.114(c)(4) that the
Commission has granted to allow the beam contour information to be provided in this manner.


For ease of cross-reference, the associated Schedule S uses the beam name designations
identified in the previously filed Schedule S forms for the satellite. See File Nos. SAT-MOD-
20141105-00121, SAT-AMD-20150105-00002.


A.5    SPACE STATION TRANSMIT AND RECEIVE CAPABILITIES


The maximum operational downlink EIRP of all spot beams is 72.7 dBW.


The maximum operational downlink EIRP density varies by sub-band.                The maximum
operational downlink EIRP density towards U.S. territory in the 17.7-18.3 GHz band varies
slightly depending on the spreading loss. ViaSat will not exceed a PFD on U.S. territory of -118
dBW/m2/MHz. This PFD level will not be exceeded regardless of the angle of arrival towards
U.S. territory. Because PFD is dependent on the slant path length and hence spreading loss, the
maximum EIRP density from the satellite can vary accordingly. For example, for a spreading

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loss of 162.1 dB, VIASAT-2 satellite transmissions would not exceed an EIRP density of 44.1
dBW/MHz. For U.S. territory that is within the service area of the VIASAT-2 satellite, the
elevation angles from the 69.9° W.L. orbital location vary between approximately 14 degrees
(northwest Washington State) to 69 degrees (U.S. Virgin Islands). Given this range of elevation
angles, the maximum downlink EIRP densities that do not exceed a PFD of -118 dBW/m2/MHz
on U.S. territory, therefore range between 44.1 dBW/MHz to 45 dBW/MHz.


For all uplink spot beams, the minimum and maximum saturating flux densities, respectively,
are: -105 dBW/m2 and -85 dBW/m2.


A.6    TWO DEGREE COMPATIBILITY


This section demonstrates that uplink transmissions in the 27.5-28.1 GHz band and downlink
transmissions in the 17.7-18.3 GHz band are two-degree compatible.


Currently there are no operational GSO Ka-band satellites that use the 27.5-28.1 GHz and 17.7-
18.3 GHz bands at or within two degrees of the 69.9º W.L. location, nor are there any pending
applications before the Commission for use of these bands by a GSO satellite at or within two
degrees of 69.9° W.L.       Therefore, in order to demonstrate two-degree compatibility, the
transmission parameters of the VIASAT-2 satellite have been assumed as both the wanted and
victim transmissions.


Table A.6-1 provides a summary of the typical uplink and downlink transmission parameters
used by the VIASAT-2 satellite network and which were used in the interference analysis.


Table A.6-2 shows the results of the interference calculations in terms of the overall C/I margins.
The interference calculations assumed a 1 dB advantage for topocentric-to-geocentric conversion
and that all wanted and interfering carriers are co-polarized.        The C/I calculations were
performed on a per Hz basis.




                                                4


  It can be seen that the C/I margins are positive in all cases, thereby demonstrating two-degree
  compatibility.



  Table A.6-1. Typical VIASAT-2 transmission parameters.
                                                     Tx E/S    Uplink                          Rx E/S
                        Emission Bandwidth                                Downlink EIRP                    C/I Criterion
Carrier ID                                            Gain      EIRP                            Gain
                       Designator  (MHz)                                     (dBW)                             (dB)
                                                      (dBi)    (dBW)                            (dBi)
    1                  600MG7D         600             64.7     74.7            67.9             48.8          20.5
    2                  500MG7D         500             64.7     74.7            67.9             40.2          13.8
    3                  500MG7D         500             64.7     74.7            67.9             40.2           7.4
    4                  500MG7D         500             64.7     74.7            67.9             33.2           9.3
    5                  6M25G7D         6.25            44.0     48.4            51.1             60.9          16.4
    6                  3M13G7D        3.125            44.0     48.4            45.9             60.9          15.1
    7                  1M56G7D        1.563            44.0     48.4            42.9             60.9          10.1
    8                  782KG7D       0.7813            44.0     46.4            39.9             60.9           8.9
    9                  3M88G7D        3.874            37.0     39.6            46.8             60.9           9.3


                                   Table A.6-2. Summary of the overall C/I margins (dB).
                                                                Interfering Carriers
                      Carrier ID      1         2         3      4        5        6      7       8       9
                          1          7.8       7.8       7.8    7.8      3.6      4.6    2.7     2.0     2.0
                          2          6.0       6.0       6.0    6.0      2.6      5.3    4.8     4.5     4.5
    Wanted Carriers




                          3         12.3      12.3      12.3   12.3      9.0     11.7   11.1    10.9    10.9
                          4          3.5       3.5       3.5    3.5      0.2      3.3    3.2     3.1     3.1
                          5         19.7      19.7      19.7   19.7      7.0      4.1    1.1     0.1     0.1
                          6         22.2      22.2      22.2   22.2     11.1      8.4    5.4     4.4     4.4
                          7         28.5      28.5      28.5   28.5     18.8     16.3   13.4    12.4    12.4
                          8         30.0      30.0      30.0   30.0     20.8     18.4   15.5    14.6    14.6
                          9         18.6      18.6      18.6   18.6      7.1      4.3    1.4     0.4     0.4




  A.7                 POWER FLUX DENSITY AT THE EARTH’S SURFACE


  §25.208 does not contain any PFD limits that apply across the entire 17.7-18.3 GHz band for
  GSO satellite networks, however it is noted that Article 21 of the ITU Radio Regulations does
  include PFD limits applicable to GSO satellites using the 17.7-18.3 GHz band. The ITU limits
  are identical to those in §25.208(c). Since the PFD limits of §25.208(c) apply to the 17.7-17.8

                                                                   5


GHz and 18.3-18.8 GHz band segments, it is therefore reasonable to assume that these same PFD
levels equally protect terrestrial services in the intermediate band segment (i.e., 17.8-18.3 GHz)
as well.


The PFD limits of §25.208(c) are as follows:


      •   -115 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the
          horizontal plane;
      •   -115+(δ-5)/2 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 5
          and 25 degrees above the horizontal plane; and
      •   -105 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above
          the horizontal plane.


As stated in section A.5, ViaSat will operate the satellite such that downlink transmissions in the
17.7-18.3 GHz band will not exceed a PFD level of -118 dBW/m2/MHz for all angles of arrival.
This PFD level is lower than the -115 dBW/m2/MHz PFD limit value that applies at elevation
angles of 5° and below. Therefore compliance with the PFD limits at all angles of arrival is
ensured.


A.8         SHARING WITH LMDS IN THE 27.5-28.1 GHZ BAND


In the U.S., the 27.5-28.1 GHz band is designated for LMDS use on a primary basis and it is
designated for the FSS on a secondary basis to LMDS. Uplinks from FSS earth stations that are
located in the United States must be operated in a manner such that they do not cause harmful
interference to any current or future licensed LMDS station.


Applications for earth station antennas communicating with the VIASAT-2 satellite and using
the 27.5-28.1 GHz band within the U.S. will include an appropriate demonstration that the
proposed operations will not cause harmful interference into any licensed LMDS station. The
earth station licensee will take appropriate actions to protect any future licensed LMDS station



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that has the potential to receive harmful interference, including ceasing transmissions in the 27.5-
28.1 GHz band if necessary.


A.9       SHARING WITH FIXED SERVICE IN THE 17.7-18.3 GHZ BAND


In the U.S., the 17.7-18.3 GHz band is allocated for the Fixed Service (“FS”) and for government
FSS systems, but does not include an allocation for commercial FSS systems. The International
Table does include an allocation for the FSS in these bands. ViaSat seeks authority to operate in
this band segment on a non-interference, unprotected basis. Compliance with applicable PFD
limits should provide adequate protection to the FS.


A.9.1     Satellite to FS Receiver Interference


As discussed in Section A.7 above, downlink transmissions from the VIASAT-2 satellite will
comply with the applicable FCC and ITU PFD limits in the 17.7-18.3 GHz band. The ITU
Article 21 PFD limits were developed to protect terrestrial fixed and mobile systems from
satellite downlink transmissions in frequency bands where terrestrial and space services are
shared with equal rights internationally. Indeed, §25.208(c) adopts these same ITU PFD limits,
although domestically, the limits only apply to the 17.7-17.8 GHz band segment (and the
adjacent 18.3-18.8 GHz band segment).


As stated in Sections A.5 and A.7 above, VIASAT-2 satellite downlink transmissions in the
17.7-18.3 GHz band toward U.S. territory that is located within the satellite’s service area will
not exceed a PFD level of -118 dBW/m2/MHz for all angles of arrival. This PFD level is at a
minimum of 7.5 dB lower than the ITU Article 21 PFD limits and therefore ensures protection of
the FS. Any FS licensee must anticipate the operation of an international GSO FSS satellite,




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such as the VIASAT-2 satellite, that could transmit at the Article 21 PFD limits toward U.S.
territory in full conformance with the ITU Radio Regulations. 2


A.9.2      FS Transmitter to FSS Ground Antenna Interference


There exists the potential for interference between a transmitting FS station and a receiving FSS
ground antenna if the ground antenna is too close to the FS station. Depending on the location of
the FSS ground antenna relative to the FS antenna’s main-beam axis direction, FSS ground
antennas need to be geographically separated from the FS transmitting station by an appropriate
distance or adequately shielded. Given that ViaSat’s operations in the 17.7-18.3 GHz band
would be on a non-conforming, unprotected basis, ViaSat accepts the potential risk from FS
station interfering into ViaSat’s ground antennas in this band.


A.10        SHARING WITH BSS FEEDER LINKS IN THE 17.7-17.8 GHZ BAND


In the U.S., the 17.7-17.8 GHz band is allocated for the FSS (Earth-to-space) but limited to
feeder links for the broadcasting-satellite service (“BSS”). This band segment also is allocated
internationally for BSS in the space-to-Earth direction. However, there is no allocation for BSS
downlinks in the U.S. in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band. Therefore, consistent with the Commission’s
precedent, 3 this section addresses sharing by VIASAT-2 in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band only with
BSS feeder links (Earth-to-space) within the U.S.           Compatibility with reverse band BSS
downlinks outside of the U.S. will be ensured through applicable ITU rules and the international
coordination process.




2
    See Inmarsat Mobile Networks, Inc., File Nos. SES-LIC-20120426-00397, SES-AMD-20120823-00781, SES-
    AMD-20150114-00008, Call Sign E120072, 30 FCC Rcd 2770 ¶ 24 (2015).
3
    See id. ¶ 25.

                                                   8


A.10.1     Space Path Interference


A space station transmitting in the space-to-Earth direction in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band segment
has the potential to cause interference into a space station receiving Earth-to-space transmissions
in the same band (i.e., space path interference due to bi-directional usage). The Commission has
examined the potential for such interference in the context of sharing between 17/24 GHz BSS
satellites (“RDBS”) and BSS feeder links. 4


The Commission adopted an off-axis PFD coordination trigger in order to manage the potential
for interference from a space station downlink transmission into a BSS receive space station.
The Commission adopted a PFD coordination trigger level of -117 dBW/(m2*100 kHz). This
value is used to demonstrate that the VIASAT-2 satellite is compatible with BSS feeder links.
Note that in general, the off-axis PFD trigger level would only be exceeded in cases where the
two satellites are within close proximity to each other (i.e., less than 0.5° orbital separation).


The U.S. BSS Region 2 Plan orbital location nearest to the VIASAT-2 satellite’s location is at
the nominal 61.5° W.L. slot. Taking into account the ITU’s BSS “cluster” concept, the nearest a
U.S. BSS satellite could potentially operate from the nominal 61.5° W.L. slot is at 61.7° W.L.
(i.e., ±0.2° from the nominal Plan location).


Accounting for worst-case east-west station-keeping of 0.05°, the spreading loss between the
69.85° W.L and 61.75° W.L. locations can be calculated to be -146.5 dB. As stated in section
A.5, the maximum EIRP density transmitted by the VIASAT-2 satellite in the 17.7-18.3 GHz
band is 45 dBW in 1 MHz, equivalent to 35 dBW in 100 kHz. Assuming a very conservative
satellite antenna off-axis gain discrimination of 30 dB towards the 61.75° W.L. location, the




4
    See Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Broadcasting-Satellite Service at the 17.3-17.7 GHz
    Frequency Band and at the 17.7-17.8 GHz Frequency Band Internationally, and at the 24.75-25.25 GHz
    Frequency Band for Fixed Satellite Services Providing Feeder Links to the Broadcasting-Satellite Service and
    for the Satellite Services Operating Bi-directionally in the 17.3-17.8 GHz Frequency Band, Second Report and
    Order, 26 FCC Rcd 8927 (2011).

                                                        9


resulting PFD can be calculated to be -141.5 dBW/m2/100kHz; a value far lower than the -117
dBW/m2/100kHz coordination trigger level. Thus, the VIASAT-2 satellite is compatible with
U.S. BSS feeder link operations.


A.10.2    Ground Path Interference


There exists the potential for interference between a transmitting BSS feeder link station and a
receiving FSS ground antenna if the ground antenna is too close to the BSS feeder link station
and not adequately shielded. Given that ViaSat’s operations in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band segment
would be on a non-conforming, unprotected basis, ViaSat accepts this risk.


A.11      COMPATIBILITY WITH NGSO SYSTEMS


O3b Limited (“O3b”) has received licenses from the Commission for fixed earth stations located
in Hawaii, Texas and Virginia to communicate with O3b’s constellation of NGSO satellites
using the 27.6-28.1 GHz frequencies on a secondary basis to LMDS and in the 17.8-18.3 GHz
frequencies on a non-interference basis. 5 ViaSat has already demonstrated in connection with
the current authorization for VIASAT-2 that operations in the 28.1-28.35 GHz, 28.6-29.1 GHz
and 18.8-19.3 GHz band segments are compatible with O3b’s operations in the United States.
The conclusion of the analysis in that submission is equally applicable to O3b’s operations in the
27.6-28.1 GHz and 17.8-18.3 GHz band segments.


With respect to the operation of VIASAT-2 in the 27.5-28.1 GHz and 17.7-18.3 GHz
frequencies, and the OneWeb system, WorldVu Satellites Limited d/b/a OneWeb (“OneWeb”)
has explained in its pending letter of intent application that its system will share spectrum used
by GSO communications satellites successfully because its satellites will be orbiting in a low
earth near-polar orbit, and operating in a manner that results in significant isolation from GSO




5
    See File Nos. SES-LIC-20100723-00952; SES-LIC-20141022-00809; SES-LIC-20130124-00089; SES-LIC-
    20130618-00516; SES-LIC-20150310-00138.

                                                 10


satellites and earth stations during most of a OneWeb satellite’s orbital path. 6 OneWeb explains
that the techniques “used to protect GSO satellite networks from interference from the OneWeb
NGSO system . . . have the effect also of protecting the OneWeb system from GSO interference,
as they are based on the principle of avoiding inline and near-inline events.” 7 Thus, these same
techniques similarly should ensure that OneWeb will not suffer harmful interference from the
operation of VIASAT-2 in the lower Ka bands. Further, OneWeb states that it “confirms that it
is not claiming interference protection from GSO FSS and BSS networks operating in
accordance with the Commission’s part 25 rules and the ITU Radio Regulations.” 8


A.12        WAIVER REQUEST


Section 25.210(i) of the Rules, 47 C.F.R. § 25.210(i), requires that space station antennas in the
FSS be designed to meet a cross-polarization isolation of 30 dB within the primary coverage area
of the antenna. The VIASAT-2 satellite’s transmit and receive antennas can have a cross-
polarization isolation as low as 24 dB. The Commission has granted a waiver for VIASAT-2 for
this lower cross-polarization isolation. 9 ViaSat requests a waiver of the 30 dB cross-polarization
isolation requirement in 47 C.F.R. § 25.210(i) to the extent necessary for this request for
modification to add frequencies to VIASAT-2.                   ViaSat incorporates by reference the
justifications for such a waiver request previously provided. 10


                                 ___________________________________




6
     See File No. SAT-LOI-20160428-00041, Legal Narrative at 11.
7
     See id, Technical Narrative, at A.8.1.
8
     See id, Technical Narrative, Annex 2 at A2-12.
9
     See File Nos. SAT-MOD-20141105-00121, SAT-AMD-20150105-00002, Call Sign S2902, Condition 3
     (granted Apr. 15, 2015).
10
     See File Nos. SAT-MOD-20141105-00121, Attachment A, Section A.13.

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             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/
                                                                ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
                                                                Stephen D. McNeil
                                                                Telecomm Strategies Canada, Inc.
                                                                Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
                                                                (613) 270-1177




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Document Created: 2016-05-27 14:08:26
Document Modified: 2016-05-27 14:08:26

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