SpaceX Hasn't Calmed Ku-Band Interference Worries, Intelsat Says
Intelsat remains unconvinced SpaceX's experimental operations won't interfere with its own co-frequency geostationary satellites, it said in an FCC Office of Engineering and Technology ex parte filing submitted Thursday in File 0356-EX-PL-2015. While it "does not necessarily oppose" SpaceX seeking…
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regulatory approval for plans to launch test satellites in advance of a low earth orbit constellation providing a global broadband service, Intelsat said it still lacks sufficient data to assess the potential for Ku-band downlink interference issues. Those SpaceX test satellites could increase geostationary orbit earth station receiver noise by roughly 24 percent, Intelsat said, adding that's quadruple the single-entry coordination trigger in ITU regulations for co-frequency satellite networks, and uses more than the 20 percent allowance for multiple entry fixed-satellite service interference recommended by the ITU, Intelsat said. The company also raised red flags about the growing proliferation of propulsion-less low earth orbit satellites such as SpaceX proposes. "Secondary Part 5 experimental aircraft should bear a greater share of the burden of collision avoidance," Intelsat representatives told OET and International Bureau staff in a meeting, according to the ex parte filing. The company said it "would be pleased to refine its calculations were more information on the public record," repeating the argument it has made repeatedly (see 1507270060). SpaceX has said Intelsat is on "a fishing expedition," creating needless delay (see 1507310040).