[Satellite Today – 3-27-08] The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved Orbcomm Inc.’s next-generation low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation plan, Orbcomm announced March 27.
     The modified space station authorization issued by the FCC approves Orbcomm’s continued operation of the first-generation satellites concurrent with the integration of 24 new spacecraft to be deployed in four new orbital planes. The license requires Orbcomm to place the new satellites in operation throughout the next six years and also approves Orbcomm’s request for additional spectrum, expanding uplink and downlink frequency assignments and adding a new frequency band for downlink operations.
    “This is a major milestone accomplishment for Orbcomm,” Jerry Eisenberg, Orbcomm’s CEO, said in a statement. “The FCC’s approval affirms our long-term vision for Orbcomm and its business.”
    The FCC also granted Orbcomm’s request to renew its space station license for an additional 15 years, extending the term of the license until 2025.