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      Report No. IN 95-14     INTERNATIONAL ACTION                 June 15, 1995



FCC COMPLETES LICENSING FIRST LOW-EARTH ORBITING SATELLITE SYSTEM

     The International Bureau has granted an application by Orbital Communications Corporation
(ORBCOMM) to construct and operate up to 200,000 data mobile earth terminals  in conjunction with its non-
voice, non-geostationary (NVNG) mobile satellite service system (MSS).  The Bureau's order completes the
domestic licensing of the first low-Earth orbiting (LEO) satellite system and heralds the commencement of
NVNG-based services on a worldwide basis.

     ORBCOMM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Orbital Sciences Corporation, was licensed to launch and
operate an MSS network in 1994.  Its system will consist of 36 satellites operating in four inclined and two
polar orbital planes, 775 kilometers above the earth.  They will provide an assortment of data services, using
technology that promises to bring access to rapid data exchange to virtually every location and person on
Earth.

     Action by the Chief, International Bureau, June 12, 1995, by Order and Authorization (DA 95-1309). 
Four gateway earth station authorizations were issued separately.

                                    -FCC-

     International Bureau Contact:   James Talens at (202) 739-0750