FCC OKs Test of Satellites for Cellular Signals

In moves designed to speed the deployment of new wireless telephone systems, the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday authorized three companies to begin testing satellite-based cellular phone services.

The commission authorized Motorola Satellite Communications of Chandler, Ariz.--which two years ago unveiled plans for a $3.2-billion, 77-satellite communications network called Iridium--to launch five experimental stations. Constellation Communications Inc., of McLean, Va., received approval to launch two satellites, and Ellipsat Corp., of Vienna, Va., to launch four.

The new systems will use small, low-orbiting satellites to bounce cellular radio signals through the sky from a caller’s to a recipient’s handset.

Current cellular technology sends radio signals via land-based switching towers and relay stations, and service is not available in areas where the equipment isn’t in place.

Several companies, including the three allowed to launch satellites, as well as TRW Inc., plan to orbit systems to carry cellular calls.

Perhaps the most ambitious of the proposals is the Iridium project--so named after the chemical element with 77 orbiting electrons--planned by Motorola. The project could provide new work for California aerospace companies.

McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. in Huntington Beach, which employs about 6,000 workers, is one of several rocket makers bidding for an estimated $500-million contract to launch the Iridium satellites into space.

Robert Cowls, general manager of McDonnell Douglas’ commercial Delta II rocket program, said it has bid to launch as many as 15 rockets, carrying up to six satellites each, for the Iridium project.

Lockheed has a letter of intent with Motorola to build part of the satellites, and the two companies are negotiating a contract to cooperate in the design and construction of the system, said a Lockheed spokesman.

The Calabasas-based company has said that if it wins a contract to build part or all of the satellites, it would help preserve the company’s 19,000-member work force in the Sunnyvale area.

Dean Takahashi in Orange County contributed to this report.