5 FCC Red No.
2 Federal Communications Commission Record
Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554
GEN. Docket No. 89-16
In the Matter of
Amendment of the RM-6423
Frequency Allocation
and Aviation Services Rules
(Parts 2 and 87) to provide
frequencies for use by commercial
space launch vehicles.
REPORT AND ORDER
(Proceeding Terminated)
Adopted: January 11, 1990; Released: January 25, 1990
By the Commission:
I. INTRODUCTION
1. In a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (Notice), 4 FCC
Red 1586 (1989), the Commission proposed to amend
Parts 2 and 87 of the Rules, 47 C.F.R. Parts 2 and 87, to
permit fully operational space launch vehicles 1 that are
?wned by non-Government 2 entities to use six frequencies
m the 2310-2390 MHz band for telemetry communica-
tions. Frequencies in this band are currently available
only for flight test telemetry. This Report and Order adopts
the rules as proposed.
II. BACKGROUND
2. Both Government and non-Government entities are
engaged in the development and testing of launch ve-
hicles. Until recently the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) was the Government agency re-
sponsible for launching non-Government payloads into
space. Non-Government entities wanting to launch a sat-
ellite or other payload had to go through NASA to obtain
the appropriate launch vehicle and facilities. In 1986,
however, the President announced that NASA will no
longer be launching non-Government satellites or other
payloads. Under the Presidential directive, responsibility
for providing launch vehicles for non-Government pay-
loads was transferred to the private sector. Government
agencies were asked to facilitate this transfer by eliminat-
ing_ r~~ulations that _woul? impede non-Government space
activities. The Presidential Directive on National Space
Policy provides that the Government shall purchase com-
mercially available space goods and services to the fullest
extent feasible. 3
3. T~e launching_ of satellites or other payloads is a very
complicated operation. Launch vehicles are comprised of
a large number of components that must function with
great precision under severe environmental conditions.
An equipment malfunction, even in a small component,
493
FCC 90-16
can lead to total disaster resulting in the loss of millions
of dollars. To reduce the chances of equipment malfunc-
tioning, spectrum is allocated to permit the transmission
of diagnostic data (i.e., telemetry) during flight. Builders
and users of launch vehicles use this telemetry capability
to identify problem areas and improve performance.
4. In the United States the 1435-1535 MHz and
2310-2390 MHz bands are allocated for shared use by
Government and non-Government entities for diagnostic
telemetry 4 during flight testing. 5 These frequencies are
only available for test flights and cannot be used for the
transmission of diagnostic telemetry data to evaluate the
flight performance of fully operational launch vehicles.
Frequencies in the 2200-2290 MHz band are allocated for
the purpose of monitoring fully operational launch ve-
hicles. Unlike frequencies in the 1435-1535 MHz and
2310-2390 MHz bands, however, these frequencies are
allocated exclusively for Government use. The frequencies
were not made available since previously the Secretary of
Defense advised the Secretary of Commerce that "use of
the 2200-2290 MHz band by non-Government entities
would be detrimental to U.S. national security interests."
See letter dated July 22, 1985, from Mr. William D.
Gamble, Deputy Associate Administrator. Office of Spec-
tru~ Management. NTIA, to Mr. William Torak, Deputy
Chief, Spectrum Management Division, Office of Engi-
neering and Technology, FCC.
5. The Aerospace and Flight Test Radio Coordinating
Council (AFTRCC) 6 asked us to allow the use of six
frequencies in the 2310-2390 MHz band by non-Govern-
~ent entities for telemetry transmission both during test-
Ing a_nd when the launch vehicle becomes fully
operational. In support of its petition (RM-6423),
AFTRCC stated that the Office of the Commercial Space
Transportation of the United States Department of Trans-
portation (DOT) is responsible for administering the Gov-
ernment program fo~ non-Government expendable
launch vehicles (ELVs).' In adopting licensing regulations
for non-Government launch activities. AFTRCC noted
that DOT stressed that one of its major goals has been to
encourage and promote the industry through carefully
considered policies and procedures designed to eliminate,
wherever possible. regulatory uncertainties." Furthermore,
AFTRCC pointed out that the Presidential Directive on
National Space Policy. supra. calls upon the Government
to identify and eliminate or propose for elimination ap-
plicable portions of United States· laws and regulations
that unnecessarily impede non-Government space sector
activities. AFTRCC also stated that it is important to
resolve promptly any regulatory uncertainties, such as the
availability of telemetry spectrum. in view of the enor-
mous commitment of funds to be made by private sector
ELY participants.
6. Concerning telemetry spectrum for fully operational
launch vehicles that are owned by non-Government en-
tities, the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) with the advice of the
Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) in-
formed AFTRCC that frequencies in the 2200-2290 MHz
band, the band currently available for telemetry support
of fully operational ELVs. were heavily used by the Fed-
eral Government and. therefore. could not be used on a
long-term basis by non-Government entities. To resolve
th_e problem, NTIA, with the advice of the IRAC, agreed
"':Ith _the AFTRCC proposal which identified six frequen-
Cies m the 2310-2390 MHz band suitable for telemetry
FCC 90-16 Federal Communications Commission Record
support of fully operational commercial ELYs. NTIA has
stated that "Frequency support in the 2200-2900 MHz
band for commercial ELY operations conducted at the
Federal Government facilities may, however, be made
part of agreements between the Government facility oper-
ator and commercial entities, subject to such constraints
as are necessary to protect Government operations in the
band. This support is expected to be of a short-term
nature, pending the transition of commercial operations
to another frequency band (i.e. 2310-2390 MHz)." 9 NTIA
noted that it had requested DOT to develop a plan for the
transition of non-Government space launch vehicle oper-
ations from the 2200-2290 MHz band to the 2310-2390
MHZ band. This plan was expected to consider NASA
and Department of Defense (DOD) range support launch
requirements for non-Government space launch vehicles.
Additionally, NTIA pointed out that the U.S. Air Force
has indicated that they can currently support launches in
the 2310-2390 MHz band.
III. PROPOSAL
7. The Notice in this proceeding proposed to amend
Footnote US276 to the Table of Frequency Allocations
contained in Section 2.106 of our Rules, 47 C.F.R. §
2.106, as well as Section 87.301(d)(l), 47 C.F.R. §
87.301(d)(l), to allow non-Government entities to use the
frequencies 2312.500 MHz, 2332.500 MHz. 2352.500 MHz.
2364.500 MHz, 2370.500 MHz and 2382.500 MHz for
telemetry transmissions in all phases (developmental and
operational) of ELY operations. The ,Votice also stated
that the purpose and use of re-usable launch vehicles
(RLYs) 10 and ELY's appear to be identical. Although
AFTRCC's petition referred only to telemetry transmis-
sions for EL Vs, in some cases the use of RL Vs may be
more economical. The Notice, therefore, requested com-
ment on the benefits of amending our Rules to allow
telemetry transmissions fr.om fully operational RLYs on
the same frequencies.
IV. COMMENTS
8. AFTRCC, American Rocket Company (AMROC),
Capital Cities/American Broadcasting Company in con-
junction with the Entertainment Sports Programming
Network (ABC/ESPN), General Dynamics Corporation
(GO), Martin Marietta Commercial Titan, Inc. (MMI),
National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (NBC) and Society
of Broadcast Engineers, Incorporated (SBE) filed com-
ments in this proceeding. 11 Reply comments were filed by
AFTRCC and G D.
9. AFTRCC AMROC, GO and MMI support our pro-
posal to allow fully operational ELVs to use the six
frequencies, 2312.500 MHz, 2332.500 MHz, 2352.500
MHz, 2364.500 MHz, 2370.500 MHz and 2382.500 MHz,
for telemetry communications. AFTRCC also supports
our proposal to allow fully operational RLYs to use these
frequencies for telemetry communications. Additionally,
AFTRCC requests that we clarify that the six frequencies
proposed are reserved primarily for use in connection
with fully operational ELY's or RLV's and that the re-
mainder of the 2310-2390 MHz band is reserved primarily
for traditional flight testing operations.'!
10. Although supporting the proposal. AFTRCC,
AMROC and GO voice concern that the Government
could immediately discontinue providing frequency sup-
494
5 FCC Red No.2
port in the 2200-2290 MHz band once frequencies in the
2310-2390 MHz band are available to non-Government
fully operational ELYs. 13 They state that a sudden transi-
tion of telemetry frequencies for fully operational launch
vehicles from the 2200-2290 MHz band to the 2310-2390
MHz band would cause disruption of service and increase
launching costs. In support, they argue that many years
may elapse before non-Government entities develop their
own launch facilities and that reconfigi.uation of the
DOD launch facilities to support telemetry transmissions
in the 2310-2390 MHz band is currently in an embryonic
stage. They also note that launch vehicles that are used
now by Government and non-Government entities are
cost efficient because they have identical requirements,
and thus are built in the same assembly line, stored
without customer discrimination before they are sold and
use the same launch facilities. Government and non-
Government launch vehicles that do not use the same
telemetry frequency bands are not identical and cannot
use the same assembly line and launch facilities, thus
increasing their costs. For these reasons, AFTRCC,
AMROC and GD argue that Government and non-Gov-
ernment entities must use the same telemetry frequency
bands and that non-Government launch vehicles must be
accommodated in the 2200-2290 MHz band until all Gov-
ernment support facilities are reconfigured to support
telemetry transmissions in the 2310-2390 MHz band. 14 In
this connection, GO notes that on April 4, 1989, at a
meeting of the Commercial Space Transportation Advi-
sory Committee, NTIA's Deputy Associate Administrator,
William D. Gamble, related that the Air Force would not
pressu~e commercial launch service operators to shift te-
lemetry transmissions to the 2310-2390 MHz band for
possibly ten years or more. 15
11. AFTRCC and GO recognize, however, that the
Commission does not have jurisdiction over the use of the
Government allocated 2200-2290 MHz band or associated
launch facilities and that, therefore, their comments on
this issue could be beyond the scope of this proceeding.
Nevertheless, they urge the Commission to seek, through
IRAC and other Government forums, permission for non-
Government entities to share this band and associated
Government owned launch support facilities for a period
of more than ten years. Additionally, they request that
Government and non-Government entities always share
the same telemetry frequencies. 16
12. ABC/ESPN, NBC and SBE (collectively referred to
as network broadcasters) state in their comments that Part
74 of the Commission's Rules gives primary use of broad-
cast auxiliary spectrum for short term operations to local
broadcasters. See 47 C.F.R. § 74.24(c). As a result, when
the broadcast auxiliary spectrum is fully occupied by the
local broadcasters, the network broadcasters have on occa-
sion been granted Special Temporary Authority (STA) 17
to use frequencies in the 2310-2390 MHz band for short
term, nationwide broadcasts, of special events such as the
1989 Presidential Inaugural Parade, the 1986 rededication
of the Statue of Liberty, and the Indianapolis 500 Auto
Race. 18
13. The network broadcasters argue that access to
2310-2390 MHz frequencies is essential for their oper-
ations, and they provide a number of recommendations
for use of frequencies in this band. For example,
ABC/ESPN recommend that the 2310-2390 MHz band be
allocated on a secondary basis to the television networks
and other programmers for use in connection with the
5 FCC Red No. 2 Federal Communications Commission Record
coverage of special national events. In the alternative, it
recommends that the Commission declare this band avail-
able for such use on an STA basis and that AFTRCC and
the Government frequency managers be ordered to clear
the band when it is not in use or scheduled to be used by
satellite launchers. 19 NBC states it has no objection now
to the Commission's proposal, provided network broad-
casters would be able to obtain STAs in the 2310-2390
MHz band on a secondary basis. If the Commission in-
tends not to issue STAs to the network broadcasters, NBC
contends it reserves the right to modify its position. 20 SBE
recommends that the Commission issue a Further Notice
of Proposed Rule Making in this proceeding proposing to
allocate frequencies in the 2310-2390 MHz band, on a
secondary basis, for broadcast and cable network transmis-
sions.21
14. AFTRCC strongly opposes the network broadcasters'
recommendations. It argues that the network broadcasters'
requests are beyond the scope of this proceeding and
should be denied. AFTRCC contends that the ABC/ESPN
recommendation requesting AFTRCC and Government
frequency managers to clear the 2310-2390 MHz band
when not used by launch vehicles indicates that the net-
work broadcasters are not familiar with aeronautical te-
lemetry and the flight test coordination process. AFTRCC
points out that in addition to launch vehicles, the
2310-2390 MHz band is used by aircraft that operate
throughout the United States to transmit diagnostic telem-
etry test data. AFTRCC states that in many cases, espe-
cially when a disaster or crash occurs, analysis of these
data provide design engineers the only means available to
determine the cause of failure in aircraft as well as launch
vehicles. In conclusion, AFTRCC suggests that the net-
work broadcasters petition the Commission to realign the
priorities between local and network broadcasters by
amending Part 74 of the Rules. 22
V. DISCUSSION
15. In general, there was no opposition to allowing
non-Government entities to use the six frequencies in the
2310-2390 MHz band as specified in the Notice. Further.
the only party commenting on extending use of these
frequencies to fully operational RLVs favored the pro-
posal. Accordingly, we amend Parts 2 and 87 to allow
non-Government entities to use frequencies 2312.5 MHz,
2332.5 MHz, 2352.5 MHz, 2364.5 MHz, 2370.5 MHz and
2382.5 MHz for telemetry transmissions in fully oper-
ational ELVs and RLVs. This additional telemetry capabil-
ity will help the U.S. private sector to compete in the
world market for launch vehicles.
16. Several commenters voiced concern that the sudden
transition of telemetry for fully operational launch ve-
hicles from the 2200-2290 MHz (Government) band to
2310-2390 MHz band will cause disruption of service and
increase costs. They asked that the Commission seek per-
mission for non-Government entities to use the 2200-2290
MHz band until non-Government entities develop their
own launch facilities. The use of the 2200-2290 MHz band
by non-Government entities on a general basis has already
been discussed with NTIA. Because of the heavy Govern-
ment use of this band NTIA recommended against mak-
ing it available on a general basis to non-Government
entities. 23 We have no information that this situation has
changed. Further, NTIA has not ruled out limited use of
the 2200-2290 MHz band by non-Government entities and
495
FCC 90-16
has even requested DOT to develop a transition plan in
this regard. See para. 6, supra. For these reasons, we do
not believe further Commission action at this time is
needed.
17. AFTRCC requested that we clarify that the six
frequencies specified in the Notice are reserved primarily
for telemetry from fully operational launch vehicles. To
provide maximum flexibility, in the Notice, we did not
propose to differentiate between use of these frequencies
for flight testing and for telemetry transmissions from
fully operational launch vehicles. In other words, we pro-
posed to leave the decision on frequency use, either devel-
opmental or operational telemetry, up to the user. We
still believe this is the best approach. Industry, however, is
free to establish a voluntary plan for telemetry use of
frequencies in this band.
18. ABC/ESPN requested that the Commission allocate
the 2310-2390 MHz band to television networks and other
programmers, on a secondary basis, for coverage of special
national events or, in the alternative, that the Commission
specifically declare this band available for coverage of
special national events on a special temporary authority
basis and that AFTRCC and the Government's Range
Commander Council/Frequency Management Group be
ordered to clear such use when the band is not in use or
scheduled to be used for satellite launches. In a similar
request, SBE asked the Commission to issue a Further
Notice of Proposed Rule Making proposing to allow
broadcast and cable networks to use the 2310-2390 MHz
band on a secondary coordinated basis.
19. As previously discussed. this band is currently al-
located for shared use by Government and non-Govern-
ment entities for diagnostic telemetry during flight testing.
Manufacturers and contractors use the frequencies in this
band extensively throughout the United States during de-
sign and flight readiness tests, to evaluate the integrity of
components and systems used in aircraft and launch ve-
hicles. Many of these tests are elaborate, requiring coordi-
nated support by a wide area network of stations and
participation of a great number of personnel. Frequently,
due to equipment malfunctions or adverse weather con-
ditions, these tests are aborted or extensively delayed. In
short, sharing these frequencies with unlike services is
difficult at best because schedules of telemetry flight tests
are unpredictable and delays costly. Further, interference
cannot be tolerated. For example, in the event of a crash
the telemetry data may be the only means available to
determine the cause of the crash. In this case. interference
to the telemetry transmission could be disastrous. Finally,
spectrum is already available to broadcasters and cable
operators for broadcasts of special events. For these rea-
sons, we decline to change the rules to provide specifi-
cally for broadcast and cable use of this band, even on a
secondary basis. In the event that broadcast spectrum is
fully used, however, we will consider short-term, limited-
area ST A requests to use frequencies in this band on a
case-by-case basis. All such requests must be accompanied
by a statement that the proposed use has been coordinated
with AFTRCC and the Government's Range Commanders
Council/Frequency Management Group.
FCC 90-16 Federal Communications Commission Record
VI. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT
20. The decision contained herein has been analyzed
with respect to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 and
found to contain no new or modified form, information
collection and/or record keeping, labeling, disclosure, or
record retention requirements; and will not increase or
decrease the burden hours imposed on the public.
VII. REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY
ACT FINAL ANALYSIS
21. The Commission hereby certifies pursuant to Sec-
tion 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub.
L. 96-354), that these rules will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small en-
tities. Although these changes allow the aerospace com-
munity greater flexibility in the operation of launch
vehicles and result in some expenditures for equipment,
these additional, optional expenditures should be mini-
mal.
VIII. ORDERING CLAUSES
22. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that pursuant to the
authority contained in Sections 4(i) and 303 (g) and (r) of
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 4 7 U .S.C.
§§ 154(i) and 303(g) and (r), Parts 2 and 87 of the
Commission's Rules ARE AMENDED as set forth in the
Appendix below.
23. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the request by
Capital Cities/American Broadcasting Company and En-
tertainment Sports Programming Network that the Com-
mission allocate the 2310-2390 MHz band, on a secondary
basis, to television networks and other programmers for
coverage of special national events and their alternative
request that the Commission declare 2310-2390 MHz band
available for coverage of special national events on a
special temporary authority basis and that the Govern-
ment's Range Commanders Council/Frequency Manage-
ment Group be ordered to clear such use when the band
is not in use or scheduled to be used by satellite launchers
ARE DENIED.
24. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the request by
the Society of Broadcast Engineers, Incorporated for the
Commission to issue a Further Notice of Proposed Rule
Making proposing to allow broadcast and cable networks
to use the 2310-2390 MHz band on a secondary coordi-
nated basis IS DENIED.
25. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Report and
Order will be effective on March 12, 1990.
26. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this
Notice shall be sent to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of
the Small Business Administration.
27. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this proceeding
IS TERMINATED.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Donna R. Searcy
Secretary
496
5 FCC Red No. 2
APPENDIX
Parts 2 and 87 of Chapter I of Title 47 of the Code of
Federal Regulations are amended as follows:
A. Part 2 - FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS AND RADIO
TREATY MATTERS; GENERAL RULES AND REGULA·
TIONS.
1. The authority citation for Part 2 continues to read as
follows:
AUTHORITY; Sec. 4, 302, 303, 307, 48. Stat. 1066,
1082, as amended; 47 U. S. C. 154, 302, 303, 307, unless
otherwise noted.
2. In Section 2.106 footnote US276 is revised to read as
follows:
§ 2.106 Table of frequency allocations.
*** **
US276 Except as otherwise provided for herein, use of
the band 2310-2390 MHz by the mobile service is limited
to aeronautical telemetering and associated telecommand
operations for flight testing of manned or unmanned air-
craft, missiles, or major components thereof. The follow-
ing six frequencies are shared on a co-equal basis by
Government and non-Government stations for
telemetering and associated telecommand operations of
expendable and re-usable launch vehicles whether or not
such operations involve flight testing: 2312.5, 2332.5,
2352.5, 2364.5, 2370.5 and 2382.5 MHz. All other mobile
telemetering uses shall be secondary to the above uses.
*****
B. Part 87 • AVIATION SERVICES
1. The authority for Part 87 continues to read as fol-
lows:
AUTHORITY: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47
U.S.C. 154, 303, unless otherwise noted. Interpret or apply
48 Stat. 1064 - 1068, 1081 • 1105, as amended; 47 U.S.C.
151-156, 301-609.
2. Section 87.5 is amended by adding after "Emergency
locator transmitter (ELT) test station" a new definition for
"Expendable Launch Vehicle" and after "Radionavigation
service" a new definition for "Re-usable launch vehicle
(RLV)" to read as follows:
§ 87.5 Definitions.
*****
Expendable launch vehicle (EL V). A booster rocket that
can be used only once to launch a payload, such as a
missile or space vehicle.
*****
5 FCC Red No.2 Federal Communications Commission Record
Re-usable launch vehicle (RLV). A booster rocket that
can be recovered after launch, refurbished, and re-
launched.
*****
3. In Section 87.303, paragraph (d}(1) is revised to read
as follows:
§ 87.303 Frequencies.
*****
(d}(l) Frequencies in the bands 1435-1535 and
2310-2390 MHz are assigned primarily for telemetry and
telecommand operations associated with the flight testing
of manned or unmanned aircraft and missiles, or their
major components. Permissible uses include telemetry
and telecommand transmissions associated with the
launching and reentry into the earth's atmosphere as well
as any incidental orbiting prior to reentry of manned or
unmanned objects undergoing flight tests. In the
1435-1535 MHz band, the following frequencies are
shared with flight telemetering mobile stations: 1444.5.
1453.5, 1501.5, 1515.5, 1524.5 and 1525.5 MHz. In the
2310-2390 MHz band, the following frequencies may be
assigned on a co-equal basis for telemetering and asso-
ciated telecommand operations of expendable and re-us-
able launch vehicles whether or not such operations
involve flight testing: 2312.5, 2332.5. 2352.5. 2364.5,
2370.5 and 2382.5 MHz. In the 2310-2390 MHz band, all
other telemetry and telecommand uses are secondary. The
Maritime Mobile-Satellite Service will be the only service
irt the 1530-1535 MHz band after January 1, 1990.
*****
FOOTNOTES
t A fully operational space launch vehicle is a booster rocket
that is used to launch a payload, such as a missile or space
vehicle, rather than a booster rocket used for flight test pur-
poses.
2
For the purpose of this proceeding the term "non-Govern-
ment" applies to those private sector entities involved in the
development, manufacture or operation of launch vehicles or
associated major components for commercial purposes.
3
See The White House, Office of the Press Secretary Fact
Sheet, "Presidential Directive on National Space Policy," dated
February 11, 1988.
4
Additionally, the frequencies in the 1435-1535 MHz and
2310-2390 MHz bands are used to transmit telecommands that
are directly associated with the support of the telemetering
functions authorized in these bands.
5 Telemetry transmissions in these bands must be associated
directly with the flight testing of aircraft and launching into
space, reentry into the earth's atmosphere, and incidental
orbiting prior to reentry of manned or unmanned objects, un-
dergoing flight tests. See 47 C.F.R. § 87.303(d)( 1).
6
AFTRCC is a trade association of major commercial entities
engaged in the design and manufacturing of Government and
non-Government aircraft, space vehicles, and their major com-
ponents. AFTRCC is recognized by this Commission as the
frequency coordinating committee for non-Government flight
test telemetry station assignment. See Report and Order. Docket
No. 18234, 15 FCC 2d 831 (1969).
497
FCC 90-16
7
An expendable launch vehicle can be used only once to
launch a payload such as a missile or space vehicle.
8 See Commercial Space Transportation; Licensing Regula-
tions, 53 FR 11004, 11008 (April 4, 1988).
9 See letter from Mr. William D. Gamble, Deputy Associate
Administrator, of the Office of Spectrum Management, of the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA), of the United States Department of Commerce, to Mr.
Jack Parker, of AFTRCC, dated December 9, 1987.
to A re-usable launch vehicle is a booster rocket that can be
recovered after launch, refurbished, and re-launched.
tt ABC and NBC are national broadcast network entities.
ESPN is an 80% ABC owned company that delivers household
television programs via satellites. SBE is a national association
of broadcast and communications engineers and technical op-
erating personnel. AMROC is a company that is developing
space transportation technology. GD and MMI are major manu-
facturers of space launch vehicles and other space components.
12
See, for example, AFTRCC comments at 4 n. 1.
13 As indicated in paragraphs 4 and 6 above, the 2200-2290
MHz band is allocated exclusively for Government use. These
frequencies were not made available to non-Government entities
for commercial space operation because the Secretary of Defense
determined that such action would be detrimental to U.S. na-
tional security_ interests.
14
See, for example, GD comments at I and reply comments at
4.
IS GD comments at 9.
16 AFTRCC comments at 5, 6, and 7 and GD comments at 9
n. 8.
17
Under extraordinary circumstances the Commission may
give to a station licensee or station applicant Special Temporary
Authority (STA) to operate a new station or to operate licensed
station in a manner which is beyond the scope of that au-
thorized by the existing license. See 47 C.F.R. § 1.925(a).
18
See, for example, NBC comments at 2.
19
ABC/ESPN comments at 9.
20
NBC comments at 4 and 5.
21
SBE comments at 5 and 6.
22 AFTRCC reply comments at 6, 7, 9 and 10.
23
See Notice, para. 6.