FCC Unlocks Airwaves for Rocket Launches: Space Biz Takes Off
Published Date: 3/7/2025
Rule
Summary
The FCC is opening up new radio frequencies for commercial space launches, making it easier and safer for private companies to blast off. They’re adding the 2360-2395 MHz band to the mix and setting clear rules for licenses and frequency use to avoid interference with important government flights. These changes kick in soon and help space businesses grow without messing up critical communications.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New 2360–2395 MHz Band Opened
The FCC reallocates the 2360–2395 MHz radio band on a secondary basis for Space Operation, adding it to the frequencies available for commercial space launches alongside the 2025–2110 MHz and 2200–2290 MHz bands.
Part 26 Licensing Rules Extended
The FCC incorporates the 2360–2395 MHz band into its existing part 26 space launch regulatory framework, so the band is subject to the same space launch licensing and frequency coordination rules that apply to the 2025–2110 MHz and 2200–2290 MHz bands.
Technical Protections for Flight Testing
The FCC incorporates technical rules to protect critical Federal and non‑Federal flight testing operations so that commercial space radio use in the LCA bands does not interfere with important flight tests.
WTB Licensing & Coordination Procedures Apply
The FCC confirms that licensing, registration, frequency coordination, and frequency coordinator selection procedures — to be refined by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau on delegated authority — will apply to the LCA bands (2025–2110 MHz, 2200–2290 MHz, and 2360–2395 MHz).
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