47 CFR §25.280
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Satellite operators may commence operation in inclined orbit mode without obtaining prior Commission authorization provided that the Commission is notified by letter within 30 days after the last north-south station keeping maneuver. The notification shall include:
- (1)The operator's name;
- (2)The date of commencement of inclined orbit operation;
- (3)The initial inclination;
- (4)The rate of change in inclination per year; and
- (5)The expected end-of-life of the satellite accounting for inclined orbit operation, and the maneuvers specified under § 25.283 of the Commission's rules.
- (b)Licensees operating in inclined-orbit are required to:
- (1)Periodically correct the satellite attitude to achieve a stationary spacecraft antenna pattern on the surface of the Earth and centered on the satellite's designated service area;
- (2)Control all electrical interference to adjacent satellites, as a result of operating in an inclined orbit, to levels not to exceed that which would be caused by the satellite operating without an inclined orbit;
- (3)Not claim protection in excess of the protection that would be received by the satellite network operating without an inclined orbit; and
- (4)Continue to maintain the space station at the authorized longitude orbital location in the geostationary satellite arc with the appropriate east-west station-keeping tolerance.