FCC Unlocks Airwaves for Your Next Private Rocket Party Launch
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. Starting April 7, 2025, these changes affect businesses using the 2025-2110 MHz, 2200-2290 MHz, and 2360-2395 MHz bands, with updated rules to keep flights safe and organized. This move supports the growing space industry without extra costs for users, while protecting important government operations.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New secondary spectrum for launches
The FCC adds a non‑Federal secondary allocation for Space Operation in the 2360–2395 MHz band, making that band available for commercial space launches and commercial space reentries. This action implements the Launch Communications Act and applies as of April 7, 2025.
Part 26 nationwide license, 10-year term
Eligible entities may apply for a nationwide, non‑exclusive part 26 license covering any or all of the LCA bands; all part 26 space launch licenses will be issued for an initial license term of ten years and may be renewed for additional ten‑year terms if the licensee meets renewal conditions. The FCC will not apply a construction requirement and will not apply permanent discontinuance rules to part 26 space launch operations in the 2360–2395 MHz band.
Streamlined post‑grant, per‑launch coordination
Part 26 licensees must register launch sites and stations in the FCC ULS and use a third‑party frequency coordinator to perform post‑grant, per‑launch coordination with NTIA and with the AFTRCC (the part 87 coordinating committee) before each launch. The FCC designed this post‑grant, per‑launch process to replace the launch‑by‑launch experimental STA approach.
Use limited to telemetry and telecommand
Operations in the LCA bands, including 2360–2395 MHz, are limited to telemetering and associated telecommand during pre‑launch testing, launch, recovery, and reentry; on‑orbit communications after payload separation are not permitted except incidentally as necessary to complete a launch. The part 26 scope explicitly excludes payload and other on‑orbit communications.
Limits on transfers, no partitions or leases
Part 26 nationwide, non‑exclusive licenses may be assigned or transferred only in full and may not be partitioned or disaggregated. Licensees are also not permitted to lease spectrum under the Commission's part 1 spectrum leasing rules for exclusive assignments.
Protections for flight‑test and amateur incumbents
Space launch operations in the 2360–2395 MHz band are on a secondary basis and are prohibited from causing harmful interference to incumbent Federal and non‑Federal AMT flight test operations and to Amateur Service operations in the 2390–2395 MHz segment; part 26 licensees must coordinate with AFTRCC and NTIA to protect these incumbents.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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