SpaceX Exclusion Zone Data a Lie, Dish Says

To show its second-generation satellite constellation would meet ITU power limits, SpaceX arbitrarily shrank the exclusion zones protecting geostationary satellites, Dish Network told the FCC International Bureau this week. It said it came to that conclusion after analyzing the equivalent power flux density data files provided by SpaceX. It said SpaceX's exclusion zones violate ITU rules and go against the company's own representations to the FCC. Rather than making a noncompliant submission to the ITU, the FCC shouldn't forward the files, Dish said. Either that or forward them but advise the ITU that the exclusion zone is inaccurate, it said. Dish said the FCC also should ask SpaceX to produce documentation about its exclusion zone decision because it "may prove what is already apparent -- that this was a trial-and-error exercise aimed at picking the exclusion zone angle that attempts to display compliance ... based on a fallacy." SpaceX didn't comment Wednesday.