Skynet Seeks OK for In-orbit Testing of Telstar 12V Satellite

Skynet Satellite seeks special temporary authority to do in-orbit testing of the Telstar 12V satellite. The testing is to start Dec. 1 and be done while the satellite drifts from its postlaunch location of 16 degrees west to 15.7 degrees west as it heads to its authorized slot at 15 degrees west, Skynet said in an FCC International Bureau request filed Wednesday. The testing can't be done at 15 degrees west because of risk of interfering with services carried on Telstar 12, Skynet said. Those services will be transferred to Telstar 12V after the in-orbit testing and the co-location of 12 and 12V at 15 degrees west, Skynet said. That traffic transfer is expected to be done by the end of Q1, at which time 12 will either be relocated or deorbited, Skynet said.