Federal Communications Commission	DA 23-119

	February 9, 2023

DA 23-119

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL

Mr. Thomas R. Ingersoll		
MethaneSAT LLC
4000 Westchase Blvd, Ste 510						
Raleigh, NC 27607
Email: tingersoll@edf.org

Re:  MethaneSAT LLC, Application for Authority to Launch and Operate MethaneSAT-1, IBFS File No. SAT-LOA-20221219-00176; Call Sign: S3158

Dear Mr. Ingersoll:

On December 19, 2022, MethaneSAT LLC (MethaneSAT) filed the above-captioned application.  In the application, MethaneSAT requests authority to launch and operate MethaneSAT-1, a non-geostationary orbit space station.  For the reasons discussed below, we dismiss the application as defective, without prejudice to refiling. 

The Commission’s rules provide that a space station application that is not substantially complete, contains internal inconsistencies, or does not substantially comply with the Commission’s rules will be returned as unacceptable for filing. 47 CFR § 25.112(a)(1).
  The MethaneSAT-1 application is not substantially complete: 

1. MethaneSAT’s application does not include the information required in response to question 40 of FCC Form 312 (in the form of an attachment). 
				
2. MethaneSAT’s application does not include the following information required to be provided in narrative form: 47 CFR § 25.114(d).
 

a. An “[o]verall description of system facilities, operations and services …” 47 CFR § 25.114(d)(1).
 

b. Public interest considerations that support the grant of MethaneSAT’s application. 47 CFR § 25.114(d)(6).


c. A description of design and operational strategies for orbital debris mitigation. 47 CFR § 25.114(d)(14)(i)-(iv).


We request that MethaneSAT provide this information in any refiling of an application for this satellite.  We also request that MethaneSAT state whether it is applying for authority to launch and operate MethaneSAT-1 under the small satellite rules, 47 CFR § 25.122.
 and if so, provide the Commission with the information required under those rules. 

Accordingly, pursuant to Section 25.112(a)(1) of the Commission’s rules, 47 C.F.R. § 25.112(a)(1), and Section 0.261 of the Commission’s rules on delegations of authority, 47 C.F.R. § 0.261, we dismiss the license application of MethaneSAT LLC without prejudice to refiling. 

Sincerely,

					Karl A. Kensinger 
					
Karl A. Kensinger
					Chief, Satellite Division
					International Bureau



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