Global Ka System
ATCONTACT was granted FCC Approval on the 14th April 2006 giving authorization for a satellite system consisting of three non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) satellites and four geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) satellites to provide fixed-satellite service (FSS) in the Ka-band, in addition to construct three NGSO FSS satellites capable of operating in the18.8-19.3 GHz and 28.6-29.1 GHz frequency bands on a primary basis, in the 29.5-30.0 GHz frequency band on a secondary basis, and in the 19.7-20.2 GHz frequency band on a non-conforming basis. The approval also enables contactMEO to construct, launch, and operate four GSO FSS satellites in the 28.6-29.1 GHz frequency band on a secondary basis, and in the 18.8-19.3 GHz frequency band on a nonconforming basis.
ATCONTACT continues to work with technical advisors and potential system suppliers to develop the detailed technical specification to be incorporated into its system contract. It is anticipated that the technical program to design, develop, test and launch the ATCONTACT constellation and ground segments will take approximately 24 months, followed by a three-month period of debugging and beta-testing of all components of the system.