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If you need the complete document, download the WordPerfect version or Adobe Acrobat version, if available. ***************************************************************** DA 97-2036 BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) COMSAT CORPORATION ) File No. CSS-94-007 ) Application for authority to participate ) in the launch of the INTELSAT VIII (F-3) ) ORDER AND AUTHORIZATION Adopted: September 19, 1997 Released: September 23, 1997 By the Chief, Satellite and Radiocommunication Division: 1. The Commission has under consideration the above-captioned application filed by the COMSAT Corporation (Comsat) on December 16, 1993, for authority to participate in the launch, positioning and in-orbit testing of the INTELSAT VIII (F-3) satellite, now referred to as the INTELSAT 803 satellite. INTELSAT's initial deployment plans called for the launch of this spacecraft in August 1996 for deployment to the 66ø East Longitude (E.L.) orbital location. Current plans, however, are for the satellite to be initially deployed to 332.5ø E.L. (152.5ø W.L.) and eventually moved to 338.5ø E.L. (158.5ø W.L.). The application appeared on the Commission's Public Notice on December 22, 1993. No comments were received. 2. Authority for COMSAT to participate in the procurement of INTELSAT 803 satellite was granted in an order (FCC File No. CSS-93-009) adopted concurrently September 19, 1997. Comsat filed supplemental letters dated August 1, and September 15, 1997, indicating that current INTELSAT deployment plans call for the launch of the INTELSAT 803 satellite to take place on or about September 23, 1997, utilizing an Ariane 44P launch vehicle. Upon successful launch of the INTELSAT 803 satellite, the INTELSAT 803 satellite will be immediately located to the 332.5ø E.L., releasing the INTELSAT 601. INTELSAT anticipates replacing the INTELSAT 803 satellite early next year. Following such replacement, the INTELSAT 803 satellite will be relocated to its operating position of 338.5ø E.L. in the Atlantic Ocean Region (AOR) by March 1, 1998. 3. The estimated costs associated with the INTELSAT 803 satellite are as follows (all amounts in real year dollars): Cost of Spacecraft Manufacture (including delivery price, engineering changes and amendments) $ 51.9 million Launch Support Services $ 1.6 million Performance Incentives, Capitalized $ 6.2 million Performance Incentives, Expenses $ 0.7 million Management Costs and Support Contracts $ 3.1 million Ariane 44P Launch Vehicle and Services $ 81.7 million Launch and Post-Separation Insurance $ 26.5 million TOTAL INTELSAT cost $ 171.7 million TOTAL COMSAT cost (based on current ownership share of 17.96%) $ 30.8 million 4. The Commission has already determined that Comsat's participation in the procurement of the INTELSAT VIII satellites is required to replace an existing satellite and to meet projected traffic requirements. We therefore find that the public interest will be served by a grant of Comsat's application for the launch of the INTELSAT 803 satellite as conditioned. 5. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that Comsat's application to participate in the launch of the INTELSAT 803 satellite to be positioned initially at 332.5ø E.L. and eventually at 338.5ø E.L., IS GRANTED subject to the following terms and conditions: (a) This authorization is limited to the described program. Any change in the authorized location due to a launch delay or other circumstances will be considered upon a proper request by Comsat for authority; (b) Comsat shall furnish via the INTELSAT 803 satellite only those channels of communication for commercial service which have been, or may be, authorized by the Commission under Section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended; (c) Conduct of the program authorized herein shall be without interruption of commercial satellite service now authorized at U.S. earth stations; (d) Neither this authorization nor any right granted herein shall be assigned or otherwise transferred without approval of the Commission; and (e) Unless extended or modified for good cause, this authorization shall terminate one year after the release date of this order. 6. This order is issued under Section 0.261 of the Commission's Rules and is effective upon adoption. Petitions for reconsideration under Section 1.106 or applications for review under Section 1.115 of the Commission's Rules may be filed within 30 days of the date of public notice of this order (See Section 1.4(b)(2)). FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Thomas S. Tycz Chief, Satellite and Radiocommunication Division International Bureau