PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET N.W.
WASHINGTON, DC  20554



 News media Information  202/418-0500    Recorded listing of releases and texts 202/418-2222.   


                                 
Report No. SPB-86                                   June 27, 1997


               SATELLITE POLICY BRANCH INFORMATION:
                 APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR FILING

     The applications listed below have been found, upon initial review, to be acceptable for
filing.  The Commission reserves the right to return any of the applications if, upon further
examination, it is determined the application is not in conformance with the Commission's Rules
or its policies.  Petitions, oppositions and other pleadings filed in response to this notice should
conform to Section 25.154 of the Commission's rules, unless otherwise noted.  47 C.F.R.
 25.154.
        
        
        EarthWatch Inc.                     File No. 85-SAT-ML-97
        
        EarthWatch Inc. has filed an application to modify is authority for its remote-sensing
        satellite system in the Earth exploration-satellite service.  (See EarthWatch Inc., File
        No. 137-SAT-ML-96, DA 97-885 (released April 29, 1997)).  EarthWatch seeks a
        modification of the bandwidth for uplink TT&C transmissions.  In addition,
        EarthWatch requests an extension of the dates for construction and launch of two
        remote-sensing satellites.
        
        
        
        GE American Communications, Inc.   File No. 83-SAT-STA-97
        
        GE American Communications, Inc. has requested special temporary authority to
        perform testing of its GE-4 satellite at 83ø W.L. before placing the satellite into its
        regular orbital location of 87ø W.L.  The GE-4 satellite is scheduled for launch on
        August 27, 1997.  In addition, GE Americom seeks to redesignate the satellite GE-3. 
         
        Comments on GE Americom's Request may be filed on or before July 21, 1997. 
        Replies may be filed or or before July 28, 1997.
         
        
        
        
                
        City of Rockford, IL             File No. 82-SAT-WAIVZ-97
        
             On May 28, 1997, the Commission received the Petition for Waiver of
             Section 25.104(a), 47 C.F.R.  25.104, filed by the City of Rockford,
             IL.  The City seeks a waiver of the Commission's rules preempting
             local zoning rules and regulations so that the City may enforce its
             Zoning Ordinance Sections 405.6(A) and 405.6(A)(5)(c) and Historic
             Preservation Ordinance Section 13 1/2-21.  
        
             Comments on the City's waiver request should be filed in accordance
             with Public Notice, Report No. SPB-41 (April 17, 1996).
        
        
        
        Informative:
        
             Comsat Corporation requested -- and was granted -- a one-week
             extension of time in which to file a consolidated response to the
             pleadings filed in File No. 60-SAT-ISP-97.  Responses may be filed on
             or before July 8, 1997.  See Letter to Counsel, Comsat Corporation
             from Chief, Satellite and Radiocommunication Division (June 25,
             1997).
        
                             - FCC -