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-107 October 17, 1997 SATELLITE POLICY BRANCH INFORMATION Satellite Application 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. Loral SpaceCom Corp. File No. 117-SAT-ML-97 Loral SpaceCom Corp. has filed an application for modification of its authorization for Telstar 303. Loral is seeking authority to extend the license term of Telstar 303 for one year, through December 31, 1998. Telstar 303 began operating in August 1985 at 123ø W.L. In Order and Authorization, 11 FCC Rcd 10570 (1996), Telstar 303 was authorized to relocate to 120ø W.L. and operate in inclined orbit through December 31, 1997 (see File No. 54-SAT-ML- 95, 80-SAT-ML-96, 81-SAT-STA-96, and 142-SAT-STA-96). Pending action on the modification request, Loral seeks Special Temporary Authority to continue operating its Telstar 303 at 120ø W.L., beyond December 31, 1997 (File No. 118-SAT-STA-97). Orbital Communications Corporation File No. 194-SAT-ML-97 Orbital Communications Corporation (ORBCOMM) has filed a request for modification of its authorization to construct, launch and operate a non-voice, non-geostationary mobile- satellite system. ORBCOMM seeks authority to increase the altitude of the satellites from approximately 775 km to approximately 815 km and to change the inclination of one of the two high-inclination planes from 70 degrees to 108 degrees. - over - Teledesic Corporation File No. 195-SAT-ML-97 Under Sections 25.114 and 25.117(d) of the Rules, Teledesic has filed a minor modification of its authorization to construct, launch and operate a non-geostationary fixed- satellite service (NGSO FSS) system. Teledesic seeks approval to operate fewer satellites at a higher altitude than currently authorized. The modified system calls for 288 satellites, plus operational, in-orbit spares, in 12 orbital planes at an altitude of 1,375 kilometers. Teledesic asserts that this modification will help facilitate sharing between the Teledesic network and any future NGSO FSS systems. Teledesic has also requested authorization to operate two downlink carriers, rather than the one 500 MHz downlink carrier in its current authorization. Teledesic asserts that this change would significantly increase coordination flexibility, therefore, making it easier for the Teledesic network to coordinate with competing uses of the band. Teledesic also seeks to utilize optical inter-satellite links (ISLs). However, in the event that optical ISL technology proves infeasible, Teledesic wants to maintain the flexibility to use radio frequency ISLs as provided for in Teledesic's current authorization. Coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which has primary jurisdiction over U.S. government use of spectrum, must occur, with respect to the proposed bands shared between government and non-government use, prior to grant of this application. Comments or petitions regarding Teledesic's application may be filed on or before November 7, 1997. Replies and oppositions may be filed on or before November 17, 1997. A copy of this application will be available for public inspection in the International Reference Center, Room 102, 2000 M St. N.W., Washington, D.C. and from ITS Duplication Services at 202-857-3800. For further information, contact Julie Garcia at 202-418-0763 or Kathleen Campbell at 202-418-0753. Informative: By letter dated September 11, 1997, Loral SpaceCom notified the Commission that the Telstar 302 satellite was deorbited on Friday, September 5, 1997. - FCC -