// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Orbital Slot
A specific location in orbit, especially in geostationary orbit, where a satellite can operate without interfering with others, regulated by international agreements.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
An Orbital Slot refers to a specific, internationally coordinated position in a designated orbit, particularly in the Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) arc, where a satellite can operate its transponders within allocated frequency bands without causing unacceptable interference to other satellites.
BACKGROUND
The International Space Station (ISS) is a space station in low Earth orbit (LEO). It is the product of the International Space Station program and is operated by five partner space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). It is the first space station built, maintained and crewed through international cooperation and the largest human spacecraft ever constructed. It is an orbital research station, where scientific experiments in microgravity are conducted and the space environment is studied. Since 2 November 2000, it has hosted the longest continuous presence of humans in space. Alongside Tiangong, it is one of the only two currently operational space stations.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- GEO slot
- orbital position
- satellite slot
- frequency-orbital slot
USAGE NOTE
Orbital slots are a finite and valuable resource, subject to international regulation by the ITU.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Orbital Slot.
A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating the global shared use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, and establishing worldwide technical standards. The ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) manages the international registration of frequency assignments and orbital slots.
A leading global satellite operator with a fleet of over 70 satellites in both Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). The company's core business relies on acquiring, maintaining, and utilizing specific orbital slots to provide video and data connectivity services worldwide.
One of the world's largest satellite services providers, operating a vast fleet of geostationary communications satellites. Intelsat actively manages a portfolio of orbital slots to deliver broadband, video, and government communication services across the globe.
A major European satellite operator headquartered in Paris, France. Eutelsat operates a large fleet of geostationary satellites for broadcasting, broadband, and data services, which involves the continuous management of orbital slot resources and associated spectrum rights.
A global communications company that designs and operates high-capacity geostationary satellites for broadband services. Viasat's business model is critically dependent on securing and leveraging high-value orbital slots to position its satellites for maximum coverage and capacity.
Through its subsidiary SpaceLogistics, Northrop Grumman develops and operates in-orbit satellite servicing vehicles, such as the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV). This technology directly addresses the value of orbital slots by extending the operational life of aging satellites, allowing them to remain in their designated location for longer.
A company dedicated to on-orbit servicing and sustainability, developing technologies for active debris removal and satellite end-of-life services. Astroscale's mission is critical for clearing valuable orbital slots of defunct satellites, ensuring the long-term usability and safety of key orbits.
The US regulatory agency that licenses non-federal government satellite operations. The FCC's International Bureau manages the complex process for US-based companies to file for, secure, and maintain orbital slot and spectrum rights via the ITU's framework, playing a crucial role in national space commerce.