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                         Before the
             FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
                    Washington, DC 20554
                              
  In re Application of                         )
                                     )
  EchoStar Satellite Corporation               ) File No. SAT-STA-20000614-00104 
                                     )
  Request for Special Temporary Authority      )
  To Operate the EchoStar 6 Direct Broadcast        )
  Satellite at 148§ W.L. for an Eight-Week          )
  Period.                                 )
                                     )
  
  
                  ORDER AND AUTHORIZATION
  
  Adopted:  July 11, 2000                 Released: July 12, 2000
  
  By the Chief, Satellite and Radiocommunication Division:
  
  1.   EchoStar Satellite Corporation ("EchoStar") requests a Special Temporary
  Authority ("STA") to operate the EchoStar 6 Direct Broadcast Satellite ("DBS") at 148§
  W.L. for an eight-week period for the purpose of conducting an In-Orbit Test ("IOT") over
  all 32 channels.  EchoStar was granted authority to launch EchoStar 6 and operate it at the
  110§ W.L. orbital location.  EchoStar has recently requested modification authority to
  operate the satellite at the 119§ W.L. orbital location.  This request will be addressed in a
  future order and action on this STA request is without prejudice to EchoStar's request for
  permanent authority at 119§ W.L.
  
         2.    EchoStar is currently authorized to operate 24 of the 32 DBS channels at 148§ 
  W.L. (1-17 odd and even channels and 19-31 odd channels).  EchoStar states that no other
  DBS licensee has authority to use the 148§ W.L. orbital location, nor is any other licensee
  expected to obtain authority to use this location in the eight weeks following the launch of
  EchoStar 6.  Thus, EchoStar will be able to conduct testing of all 32 transponders without
  causing harmful interference to any other satellite operators.  Furthermore, EchoStar argues
  that proper testing is necessary to comply with requirements set forth by its insurers and to
  ensure that EchoStar 6 will function as planned. 
  
         3.    We find it is in the public interest to grant EchoStar's request to conduct 
  an IOT at the 148§ W.L. orbital location.  The 148§ W.L. orbital location is currently
  vacant.  There are no operational DBS satellites at or near this location and no such
  operations are expected during the requested eight-week period.  In addition, operations
  under this STA will be on a non-harmful interference basis.  Therefore, we grant EchoStar's
  request for Special Temporary Authority.
  
         4.     Accordingly, pursuant to 47 C.F.R.  0.261 of the Commission's rules of
  delegated authority, EchoStar's Request for Special Temporary Authority to Operate the
  EchoStar 6 Direct Broadcast Satellite at 148§ W.L. for an Eight-Week Period, File No.
  SAT-STA-20000614-00104, IS GRANTED consistent with the terms and specifications set
  forth in its application subject to the following conditions:
  
                 (a)  that no harmful interference shall be caused to any lawfully operating
                 radiocommunication systems and operations shall cease immediately
                 upon notification of such harmful interference;
       
                 (b)  this authorization is subject to change in any of its terms or
                 cancellation in its entirety at any time upon reasonable notice, but
                 without hearing, if in the opinion of the Commission, circumstances
                 should require;
  
                 (c)  this temporary authority shall commence on the date EchoStar
                 notifies the Commission that the EchoStar 6 satellite has reached the
                 148§ W.L. orbital location and that testing has begun, and will
                 terminate 60 days from that date;
  
                 (d)  this temporary authority is only for testing purposes and shall not be
                 used for provision of commercial service;
  
                  (e) any extensions of this authorization must be requested and approved
                 in writing.
  
  
       FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
                           
  
                       Thomas S. Tycz
                      Chief, Satellite and Radiocommunication Division
                      International Bureau