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<\/a>Amateur Radio Satellites \u2013 To inspire, engage and educate the next generation<\/p>\n<\/div>\nAMSAT believes several of FCC\u2019s proposed rule changes concerning orbital debris would have an extremely detrimental affect on the amateur satellite service.<\/p>\n
The AMSAT News Service Reports:<\/p>\n
The Federal Communications Commission has proposed several rules changes related to the amateur satellite service as part of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) related to the mitigation of orbital debris. AMSAT believes several of these rule changes would have an extremely detrimental affect on the amateur satellite service and AMSAT\u2019s ability to launch and operate new satellites, including AMSAT\u2019s upcoming GOLF satellites.<\/p>\n
Today, AMSAT filed comments on the proposed rulemaking. In the comments, AMSAT argues that amateur satellites often have longer mission lifespans than other small satellite missions and that the Commission should take a mission duration of 5 to 10 years into account when determining whether or not an amateur satellite will meet the orbital debris regulations by transferring to a parking orbit or re-entering the atmosphere within 25 years of mission completion. The current practice is to assume a \u201czero year\u201d mission and to require that amateur satellites either transfer to a parking orbit or re-enter within 25 years following launch.<\/p>\n
AMSAT also urged the Commission to consider alternatives to a proposed rule that would restrict satellites in Low Earth Orbit that plan to meet the orbital debris mitigation guidelines through atmospheric re-entry to altitudes of 650 km or less. AMSAT noted that, had this rule been in place, AO-85 and AO-91 would not have been able to be deployed in their current ellipitcal orbits with apogees of approximately 800 km, despite the fact that both of these satellites will re-enter within 25 years due to their low perigees. Additionally, AMSAT noted that current plans for the GOLF-1 satellite are to meet orbital debris mitigation guidelines through atmospheric re-entry by deploying a drag device that will ensure re-entry within 25 years despite deployment at an altitude of above 1,000 km. This proposed rule would prohibit GOLF-1\u2019s deployment at that altitude.<\/p>\n
The Commission\u2019s proposed rules would also require that amateur satellite licensees indemnify the government against any claims made against the United States due to the operation of the satellite. AMSAT believes this proposal would end the ability of AMSAT, or any other entity in the United States, to launch and operate amateur satellites and urges the Commission to consider alternatives, such as establishing a fund to pay any such claims, noting that the likelihood of such a claim is low.<\/p>\n
For amateur satellites with propulsion, the Commission proposes a rule that would require any command links as well as satellite telemetry be encrypted. While AMSAT understands and agrees that a satellite carrying a propulsion system must have an encrypted command link, the proposal to require all satellite telemetry be encrypted is unnecessary and counter to the spirit of the amateur service. AMSAT notes that open access to telemetry is expected of amateur satellites and is critical to the educational component of amateur radio satellites.<\/p>\n
Finally, AMSAT proposes that the Commission exempt amateur space stations co-located on other spacecraft from the orbital debris mitigation regulations, including any indemnification rule. Noting that AMSAT has pursued opportunities to fly a payload as a rideshare aboard government or commercial satellites, AMSAT argues that, as the satellite\u2019s owner will need to meet orbital debris mitigation requirements to obtain the license in the primary mission\u2019s service, requiring the amateur licensee to meet the orbital debris mitigation requirements as well is redundant. AMSAT proposes that Part 97 be amended to state that amateur space stations co-located on spacecraft with space stations authorized under Part 25 of the Commission\u2019s regulations (for commercial spacecraft) or by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) (for government spacecraft) are exempt from these regulations.<\/p>\n
AMSAT\u2019s comments as filed may be downloaded at https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/ANS-095-Comments<\/a><\/p>\n The NPRM is International Bureau Docket #18-313 and is available at Interested parties may file reply comments by May 5th at https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\/ecfs\/<\/a><\/p>\n [ANS thanks AMSAT Executive Vice President Paul Stoetzer, N8HM<\/strong><\/a>, for Register for AMSAT News Service emails at https:\/\/www.amsat.org\/mailman\/listinfo\/ans<\/a><\/p>\n Get The Details…<\/a><\/p>\n m5aka<\/p>\n AMSAT-UK<\/p>\n Powered by WPeMatico<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" AMSAT believes several of FCC\u2019s proposed rule changes concerning orbital debris would have an extremely detrimental affect on the amateur satellite service.<\/p>\n The AMSAT News Service Reports:<\/p>\n The Federal Communications Commission has proposed several rules changes related to the amateur satellite service as part of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) related to the mitigation of orbital debris. AMSAT believes several of these rule changes would have an extremely detrimental affect on the amateur satellite service and AMSAT\u2019s ability to launch and operate new satellites, including AMSAT\u2019s upcoming GOLF satellites.<\/p>\n Today, AMSAT filed comments on the proposed rulemaking. In the comments, AMSAT argues that amateur satellites often have longer mission lifespans than other small satellite missions and that the Commission should take a \u2026 Continue reading
\nhttps:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/FCC-18-159A1.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n
\nthe above information]<\/p>\nAMSAT Files Comments in FCC Orbital Debris Mitigation Proceeding<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
<\/a>Amateur Radio Satellites \u2013 To inspire, engage and educate the next generation<\/p>\n