---
kind: "section"
citation: "47 C.F.R. § 25.280"
title: "47"
number: "25.280"
heading: "Inclined orbit operations."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/47/25.280"
---

# §25.280. Inclined orbit operations.

- (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](/cfr/47/25.283.md) 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.

## Notes

### Amendments

[69 FR 54587, Sept. 9, 2004]

### Source

Source: 58 FR 13421, Mar. 11, 1993, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 310, 319, 332, 605, and 721, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[69 FR 54587, Sept. 9, 2004]