PUBLIC NOTICE
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th St., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
DA 07-4028
Released:  September 25, 2007
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU ANNOUNCES NEW
NASA TDRSS EARTH STATION SITE
Report No. SPB-221
Section 25.222(d) of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 25.222(d), requires the Commission to 
announce any new Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) sites that are nearing 
operational status.  On August 17, 2007, the National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration (NTIA) informed the Commission that a site in Blossom Point, MD has been 
selected for a new TDRSS earth station.  The coordinates are 38o25’44”N, 77o05’20”W and the 
site has a terrain height at approximately sea level.  The new earth station is expected to have 
similar technical characteristics to that of its White Sands, NM terminal except that this station 
will have improved RF filtering.  
Section 25.222(d) of the Commission's rules requires all Earth Station on Vessels (ESV)
networks operating in the 14.0-14.2 GHz band within 125 km of a new TDRSS earth station to
cease operations upon commencement of the TDRSS operations, unless and until an agreement 
is reached between the ESV operator and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
(NASA), and approved by both the FCC and NTIA.  Thus, the operators of ESV networks in the 
14.0-14.2 GHz band are hereby notified that they will be required to cease operations within 125 
km of the new Blossom Point facilities when those facilities become operational, unless and until 
they reach an agreement with NASA permitting such operations.  NTIA expects the Blossom 
Point facilities to become operational within three years.  We will issue a future Public Notice 
announcing a specific date for the commencement of operations of the Blossom Point facilities. 
Action by Chief, Satellite Division, International Bureau. 
- FCC -