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

In the Matter of
PointView Tech LLC
Application for Experimental Authority to
Launch and Operate a Low-Earth Orbit,
Non-Geostationary Orbit Satellite and
Communicate with Certain Earth Stations

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File No. 2018-EX-CN-______

APPLICATION NARRATIVE
Pursuant to Sections 308 and 309 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,1 and
Part 5 of the Commission’s rules,2 PointView Tech LLC (“PointView”) files this application for
experimental authorization to launch and operate a single low-earth orbit (“LEO”), nongeostationary orbit (“NGSO”) satellite (the “Athena” satellite). The satellite’s main
communications payload links will operate in the little-used E-band spectrum – 71-76 GHz for
the downlinks, 81-86 GHz for the uplinks.

PointView’s request for experimental authority also encompasses
two earth stations that will conduct E-band communications with the satellite. The mission will
be to determine whether such satellite communications can efficiently provide broadband access
to unserved and underserved areas throughout the world. The satellite’s narrowband Telemetry,
Tracking, and Command (“TT&C”) beams will operate in the S-band at 2082 MHz, using less
than 1.5 MHz occupied bandwidth, for the uplink, and in the X-band at 8496.25 MHz, using less
1

47 U.S.C. §§ 309, 310.

2

47 C.F.R. §§ 5.55, 5.63.

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than 2.3 MHz occupied bandwidth, for the downlink. PointView’s partners, Space Systems
Loral (“SSL”) and Atlas Space Operations (“Atlas”), will operate three earth stations for TT&C
communications subject to authority that has already been received or will soon be requested.
This application provides an overview of the Athena experiment, including its objective
and operations; a description of the spacecraft; a summary of the ground operations, including
the TT&C functions; a discussion of the power levels, which are all within any and all limits
applicable to the frequency bands in question, as well as the steps taken to mitigate any risk of
harmful interference; and an explanation of why the experiment serves the public interest.
Specifically, the public interest rationale in support of the Athena experiment is strong –
PointView will examine the suitability of LEO satellites using millimeter wave frequencies
to provide broadband Internet access to unserved and underserved areas
across the globe. The application shows that the proposed experiment meets all applicable legal
and technical requirements. Finally, the application certifies that PointView will meet any
applicable international obligations related to the Athena satellite.
Attached to this application are supporting exhibits providing the technical and
operational characteristics of the Athena satellite (“Technical Annex”), the orbital debris
mitigation plan, and radiation hazard studies for the E-band uplink earth stations.
I.

OVERVIEW OF THE ATHENA MISSION AND PROPOSED EXPERIMENT
The Athena experiment will test, demonstrate, and validate new technologies that will

allow

E-band (71-76 GHz downlink and 81-86 GHz uplink)

communications between earth stations in the western United States and a non-geostationary
orbit (“NGSO”) satellite operating in the low-earth orbit.3 Its main purpose will be to determine

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whether such satellite communications can efficiently provide broadband access to unserved and
underserved areas throughout the world. The satellite is slated to be launched in early 2019. The
tests will run for approximately two years after the start of in-orbit operations, after which point
the satellite will be permanently switched off by irreversible ground command and naturally deorbit within the 25-year requirement.4
A.

The Athena Spacecraft

The Athena spacecraft is being designed and manufactured by Space Systems Loral,
LLC. Space Systems Loral has a contract for launch as a secondary payload on the Arianespace
Vega launcher, and is scheduled for launch in early 2019. It will operate in the low-earth orbit,
specifically at a sun-synchronous orbit between 500-550 km. Only one spacecraft will be used in
the demonstration. Its size will be approximately 0.33 cubic meters, its weight less than 150 kg.
There will be no on-board
propulsion system for orbit change. The operational lifetime of spacecraft is currently planned to
be approximately two years.
B.
The

Ground Operations
E-band links will be used for payload communications. The E-band

downlink will generally be centered at 72 GHz and 75 GHz; the uplink will generally be centered

4

See NASA, Process for Limiting Orbital Debris, NASA-STS-8719.14A (with Change 1) §
4.3.2, Requirement 4.3-1 at 21 (approved May 25, 2012).

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at 82 and 85 GHz.6 PointView will serve as the E-band

earth station operator. These

stations will be located in California, specifically in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Atlas will serve as the TT&C earth station operator and will apply for the TT&C earth
station licenses. TT&C will be conducted in the S-band at 2082 MHz, using less than 1.5 MHz
occupied bandwidth, for the uplink, and in the X-band at 8496.25 MHz, using less than 2.3 MHz
occupied bandwidth, for the downlink. The TT&C earth stations will be located in Mojave,
California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Brewster, Washington.
C.

Power Levels

The power levels for the Athena experiment are within established limits for the proposed
bands.7 The maximum DC power dissipation level of the spacecraft is 1200 W. The X-band
TT&C radio consumes less than 50 W DC. The transmit power is 3.64 dBW EIRP with 2.3
MHz bandwidth. The maximum power flux density at the surface of the earth is -148.96
dBW/m²/4 kHz. These operations meet all International Telecommunication Union (“ITU”)
limits in this band, including those for deep space network (“DSN”) protection. The E-band
payload downlink consumes less than 300 W DC. The peak transmit power is 44.3 dBW EIRP
with 2.1852 GHz bandwidth. The maximum power flux density at the surface of the earth is
-138.05 dBW/m²/4 kHz. For the E-band ground uplink, the transmit peak power is 63.4 dBW
EIRP (or 78.3 dBW for the high power option) with 2.1852 GHz bandwidth.

6

There is a possibility that mild tuning may be performed from the planned 72, 75, 82 and 85
GHz centered carriers (e.g., 74.8 and 82.2 GHz may be used to mitigate a potential spectral
regrowth issue). In addition, carriers may be run at the band edge (71, 76, 81, and 86 GHz) for
atmospheric attenuation characterization. This would be done in compliance with NTIA
Redbook requirements.
7

The power levels were calculated using an altitude of 500 km – the lowest altitude – to assume
the highest levels for the altitude range for Athena’s orbit.

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D.

No Harmful Interference – Generally

PointView has taken a number of measures to ensure that no harmful interference will
result from its operations. As a threshold matter, the frequency bands and earth station locations
were selected to minimize the risk of harmful interference to, or from, other systems. PointView
has been in contact with government users operating in the proposed bands and adjacent bands,
including NASA. PointView has taken the input it has received in developing its operational
plan. It will continue to coordinate with government agencies and other potential spectrum users
prior to launch and while the satellite is in operation. PointView intends to conduct an
interference analysis and coordination study six months prior to launch so it can finalize
coordination with all users in a timely manner.
PointView has established and will maintain a 24/7 point-of-contact for interference
issues. That contact is currently George Leris. His contact number is 571-216-3381.
Transmissions will also be limited: E-band transmissions will last for less than 8 minutes
per contact (up to four contacts per day); X-band transmissions will last for less than 10 minutes
per contact (up to 10 contacts per day); S-band transmissions will last for less than 10 minutes
per contact (up to three contacts per day). Command files to alter or mute operations can be
uploaded at each available TT&C contact.
E.

No Harmful Interference or Unwanted Emissions – Specifically for TT&C

The proposed TT&C frequencies were identified based on careful interference analysis
and discussions with government users of the spectrum. PointView initially identified several
frequency bands in the 8025-8400 MHz and 8450-8500 MHz ranges before deciding on 8496.25
MHz for its telemetry downlink frequency based on communications with NTIA and NASA.
The 8496-8500 MHz band is allocated to the Space Research Service on a primary basis for both

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Federal and non-Federal use, and to the Fixed Service for Federal use. PointView believes it can
coordinate with systems currently operating in these services, as well as with NASA’s EM-1
system, announced for launch in December 2019, and will accept a condition to do so.
Moreover, Athena will not cause unwanted out-of-band emissions into NASA’s DSN satellites
operating at 8400-8450 MHz. PointView’s interference analysis shows that it complies with the
ITU’s SA.1157 out-of-band emissions mask for DSNs operating in the 8400-8450 MHz band.
PointView has had several productive discussions with NASA regarding the use of the X-band
spectrum, has supplied all requested information, has received positive feedback, and is
continuing coordination. Similarly, spacecraft manufacturer SSL and TT&C provider Atlas
Space Operations have coordinated with government stakeholders regarding the use of 2082
MHz for the command uplink.
II.

GRANT OF THIS APPLICATION WILL SERVE THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Grant of this application will serve the public interest because it will allow PointView to

test whether LEO satellites using E-band spectrum

can be

an efficient means for providing fixed and mobile broadband access service. The experiment
will help PointView develop new broadband access options for unserved and underserved areas
throughout the world.
III.

THIS APPLICATION IS LEGALLY AND TECHNICALLY COMPLETE
In this application and its exhibits, PointView is providing all the legal and technical

information required by the FCC.
A.

Part 5 Narrative Application Requirements

The application complies with all of the requirements of Part 5 of the Commission’s rules
for experimental applications. In addition to the material provided on FCC Form 442, PointView
provides the following narrative information.
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1.

Question 7a and Section 5.63(c)(1) – The complete program of
research and experimentation proposed, including a description of
equipment and theory of operation8

The equipment and operations that make up the program of research and experimentation
are described in the Technical Annex.
2.

Question 7b – The specific objectives sought to be accomplished

The Athena experiment will test, demonstrate, and validate new technologies for
providing broadband access by experimenting with

E-band

communications between earth stations in up to five locations in the western United States and
an NGSO satellite operating in the low-earth orbit. Specifically, PointView is aiming to
understand whether an NGSO system using E-band spectrum
can be used for the provision of fixed and mobile broadband access in unserved
and underserved areas. The satellite is slated to be launched in early 2019.
3.

Question 7c – How the program of experimentation has a reasonable
promise of contributions to the development, extension, expansion or
utilization of the radio art, or is along line not already investigated

The experiment has the potential to contribute to the development, extension, expansion,
and utilization of the radio art by helping to determine if the E-band spectrum can be used for
broadband access. PointView plans to publish many of its experimental findings, including ITU
atmospheric attenuation model validation data.
4.

Estimated duration of the experiment

PointView anticipates that its testing will require approximately two years from start of
in-orbit operations. After that point, the satellite will be permanently switched off by irreversible
ground command.

8

47 C.F.R. § 5.63(c)(1).

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5.

Section 5.64(a) – Construction at own risk9

PointView has begun construction of the proposed satellite facilities at its own risk. It
notified the Commission’s Office of Engineering and Technology in writing that it planned to
begin construction at its own risk in July 2016.
B.

Part 25 Application Requirements

While this application is being filed under Part 5 of the Commission’s rules for
experimental licensing rather than Part 25 for satellite operations, PointView also provides the
information required by Part 25 to allow the Commission to fully evaluate the application. In the
narrative below and in the accompanying Technical Annex, Pointview is specifically submitting
all of the technical information required by Part 25 of the Commission’s Rules, radiation hazard
studies, and orbital debris assessment review.
1.

Section 25.114(c)(4) – Radio Frequency Plan10

PointView’s proposed frequency plan is provided in the Technical Annex.
2.

Section 25.114(c)(6) – NGSO Orbital Characteristics11

The Athena satellite will consist of one NGSO satellite operating in low-earth orbit. The
Technical Annex provides: the number of orbital planes and the number of space stations in each
plane; the inclination of the orbital planes; the orbital period; the apogee; the perigee; the active
service arc; and the local time of the descending node.12 The right ascension of the ascending
node is dependent upon the specific launch date. It will change by 0.9856° per day in order to

9

47 C.F.R. § 5.64(a).

10

47 C.F.R. § 25.114(c)(4).

11

47 C.F.R. § 25.114(c)(6).

12

Technical Annex § A.3.

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keep up with the Earth’s rotation around the sun in 365.25 days.13 Additional orbital parameters,
such as the argument of perigee and the initial phase angle of the satellite, are not applicable to a
one-satellite non-GSO system in a circular orbit.
3.

Section 25.114(c)(7) - Frequency Bands and Coverage Areas14

PointView’s proposed frequency bands and coverage areas are provided in the Technical
Annex.
4.

Section 25.114(c)(8) - Calculated Maximum Power Flux Density
Levels15

The calculated maximum power flux density levels are provided in the Technical Annex.
5.

Section 25.114(c)(10) – Estimated Operational Lifetime16

The estimated operational lifetime of the Athena satellite is approximately two years
from the start of in-orbit operations.
6.

Section 25.114(d)(1) – Overall Description of System Facilities and
Operations17

The overall description of system facilities and operations, including an explanation of
the manner in which the uplink frequency bands will be connected to the downlink frequency
bands, is provided in the Technical Annex.
7.

Section 25.114(d)(6) – Public Interest Rationale18

The public interest rationale for the application has been provided in Section II of this
narrative.
13

Id.

14

47 C.F.R. § 25.114(c)(7).

15

47 C.F.R. § 25.114(c)(10).

16

47 C.F.R. § 25.114(d)(1).

17

47 C.F.R. § 25.114(d)(6).

18

47 C.F.R. § 25.114(d)(6).

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8.

Sections 5.64(b) and 25.114(d)(14) – Orbital Debris Mitigation19

The Orbital Debris Assessment Report (“ODAR”) is attached as Exhibit 2 to this
narrative.20 The design of the satellite will limit the amount of debris and the probability of the
satellite becoming a source of debris. The satellite has been designed with no separable
materials or solar panels. This means that all parts will remain attached during launch,
operations, and de-orbiting. The lack of any pressurized vessels on the spacecraft means that
there is no risk of accidental explosions during or after completion of mission operations.
The ODAR was prepared using NASA’s Debris Assessment Software for orbital debris
control and risk mitigation. It shows that the Athena spacecraft is compliant with NASA’s
standards for orbital debris mitigation and with the objective of limiting the risk for human
casualties. Three items are expected to survive re-entry, resulting in a low 1-in-31,800 chance of
human casualty, which is well within NASA requirement 4.7-1 in NASA-std-8719.14. In
addition, the Athena spacecraft has been manufactured following a “design to demise” approach
in choosing materials.
The spacecraft is compliant with de-orbit timeframe requirements. Under worst case
conditions of 565 km circular orbit, including the 550 km maximum altitude, plus 15 km orbit
insertion range from the launch vehicle provider, the spacecraft will de-orbit within 17 years
from launch, or 15 years from the nominal end of mission. This is well within NASA
Requirement 4.3-1 to de-orbit within 25 years of end of mission.21

19

47 C.F.R. §§ 5.64, 25.114(d)(14).

20

The calculations for the ODAR assume an orbit of 550 km, the worst-case reentry scenario for
the Athena satellite.
21

See NASA, Process for Limiting Orbital Debris, NASA-STS-8719.14A (with Change 1) §
4.3.2, Requirement 4.3-1 at 21(approved May 25, 2012).

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9.

Section 25.132 – Radiation Hazard Studies22

Radiation hazard studies for the payload communications are provided in Exhibit 3.
PointView will take the appropriate steps recommended in those studies.
10.

Section 25.207 – Cessation of Emissions23

Ground TT&C operations will have the power to cease satellite transmissions. The
Technical Annex explains how this will be accomplished.
C.

TT&C Earth Stations

The three TT&C earth stations will be operated by PointView’s partners subject to
authority that has already been received or will soon be requested.24 Nevertheless, the technical
information for these earth stations is included in Form 442. The Technical Annex provides a
description of the manner in which TT&C will be provided for the experiment.
IV.

ITU COST RECOVERY
International registration is not always required for experimental satellite authorizations.

Nevertheless, to the extent necessary, PointView will provide all necessary information for filing
any Advance Publication Information with the ITU. PointView accepts all international and
national frequency coordination obligations for the Athena satellite. PointView will provide the
FCC and the State Department any information necessary for filing any required Space Object
Registration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.

22

47 C.F.R. § 25.132.

23

47 C.F.R. § 25.207.

24

PointView understands that one earth station, in Albuquerque, NM, is already licensed under a
Department of Defense authorization, and Atlas is duly authorized to use it. See Naval
Postgraduate School Application for Equipment Frequency Allocation, DD Form 1494 (July 7,
2015). A new earth station application will be filed by Atlas for a station in Mojave, CA, and a
request for modification authority will be filed by Atlas’s partner, Denali 20020, LLC
(“Denali”), for a station licensed to Denali in Brewster, WA.

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PointView is aware that, as a result of the actions taken at the 1998 Plenipotentiary
Conference, as modified by the ITU Council in June 2001, processing fees are now charged by
the ITU for satellite network filings. As a consequence, Commission applicants are responsible
for any and all fees charged by the ITU. PointView affirms it is aware of, and unconditionally
accepts, this requirement and its responsibility to pay any ITU cost recovery fees for the ITU
filings associated with this application. Invoices for such fees may be sent to the undersigned.
V.

CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, PointView respectfully requests that the Commission promptly

grant this application for launch and operating authority for the Athena satellite as in the public
interest, convenience, and necessity.
Respectfully submitted,

________/s/___________
Pantelis Michalopoulos
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
1330 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 429-3000
Counsel for PointView Tech LLC

April 26, 2018

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