FCC Chair Pitches Spectrum Rules for Commercial Launches

Photo: Via Satellite archive

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is asking the FCC to consider new spectrum rules to ensure reliable communications for commercial space launches. 

According to a July 28 FCC release, the rules would ensure spectrum certainty for communications services used during commercial space launches. The rules would adopt a new allocation in the 2025 to 2110 MHz band for space operations on a secondary basis, expand the spectrum available for commercial space operations on secondary basis in the 2200 to 2290 MHz band from four channels to the entire band, and adopt licensing and technical rules for space launch operations. 

Rosenworcel said the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), NASA, Department of Defense, and industry stakeholders provided input in developing these rules. The commission will consider a report and order on this, but the FCC did not release a draft report and order or share a timeline. 

“These rules will ensure commercial space launches have the necessary spectrum resources for reliable communications no matter their mission. These updates will promote economic strength, safety, competitiveness, and innovation,” Rosenworcel said in the release.