Session
Technical Session XII: Communications
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Small satellite innovation has advanced at a rapid pace over the past decade, but until recently satellite licensing procedures have lagged behind technological innovation, imposing significant regulatory and financial burdens on small satellite operators during early stages of system development. In late 2019, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules creating a new, optional licensing process for small satellites meeting certain criteria, such as a wet mass of 180 kg or less, a shorter in-orbit lifetime, and a low orbital debris risk. Satellite systems meeting these and other criteria may apply for FCC authorization or U.S. market access under a streamlined application process with reduced fees, decreasing barriers to entry for qualifying operators and enabling the deployment of low-cost satellite systems. This new licensing process is in addition to the FCC’s existing processes for satellite authorization, including its experimental (part 5), amateur (part 97), and standard commercial satellite licensing procedures (part 25). Small satellite operators seeking to provide service in the United States now have a variety of licensing options to choose from, and will need to select the licensing procedure that best matches their operational and spectrum needs.
In addition to the FCC, satellite licensing involves a variety of other federal agencies. As part of the FCC authorization process, the FCC will coordinate spectrum use with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licenses commercial launch and reentry vehicles well as commercial spaceports. Commercial remote sensing satellites require a license from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Departments of Commerce and State license exports of space technology. The Department of State also maintains a registry of U.S. space objects. This paper gives an overview of the licensing and authorization regimes in the United States as they apply to small satellite operations.
Small Satellite Regulation in 2020
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Small satellite innovation has advanced at a rapid pace over the past decade, but until recently satellite licensing procedures have lagged behind technological innovation, imposing significant regulatory and financial burdens on small satellite operators during early stages of system development. In late 2019, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules creating a new, optional licensing process for small satellites meeting certain criteria, such as a wet mass of 180 kg or less, a shorter in-orbit lifetime, and a low orbital debris risk. Satellite systems meeting these and other criteria may apply for FCC authorization or U.S. market access under a streamlined application process with reduced fees, decreasing barriers to entry for qualifying operators and enabling the deployment of low-cost satellite systems. This new licensing process is in addition to the FCC’s existing processes for satellite authorization, including its experimental (part 5), amateur (part 97), and standard commercial satellite licensing procedures (part 25). Small satellite operators seeking to provide service in the United States now have a variety of licensing options to choose from, and will need to select the licensing procedure that best matches their operational and spectrum needs.
In addition to the FCC, satellite licensing involves a variety of other federal agencies. As part of the FCC authorization process, the FCC will coordinate spectrum use with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licenses commercial launch and reentry vehicles well as commercial spaceports. Commercial remote sensing satellites require a license from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Departments of Commerce and State license exports of space technology. The Department of State also maintains a registry of U.S. space objects. This paper gives an overview of the licensing and authorization regimes in the United States as they apply to small satellite operations.
