FCC upheld decisions to cancel Ka-band licenses of PanAmSat and Morning Star (CD June 28 p11) Fri. in decision that could open door for other 2nd round applicants to receive valuable spectrum slots for service. Each company had licenses suspended earlier for failing to meet Commission milestones. VisionStar also was denied request to toll remaining milestones for its satellite system and FCC denied Loral petition to extend construction completion and launch milestones. NetSat and GE Americom received waiver of milestones to complete construction and launch satellites. However, FCC didn’t act on requests by NetSat and VisionStar to transfer control to EMS and EchoStar, respectively. Both cases are pending. Commission denied Loral Orion further milestones after taking over licenses formerly owned by VisionStar. Meanwhile, in separate ruling, Commission streamlined licenses of C-Band Small Earth terminals in effort to advance services to rural and remote areas.
Alliant Techsystems (ATK) said it completed static test firing of material qualification motor for new motor for its Graphite Epoxy Motor, Orion solid rocket booster on Boeing Delta launches and Pegasus launch vehicle.
Globalstar extended service coverage for data communications to outer space with new flight modem developed with NASA, company said. Prototype of system flew on Orion rocket from Kiruna, Sweden, and connected to network using Globalstar Communications satellite network. Modem can relay rocket’s position to ground control, Globalstar said.
Loral Space & Communications wants FCC authority to launch and operate hybrid Ku-band/C-band replacement satellite at 37.5 degrees W. Earlier, FCC considered and rejected arguments that Orion or Loral had rights to C-band authority at 37.5 degrees W. Petitions to deny are due April 16.