The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted a new satellite licensing framework, but operators remain under existing rules in most cases until the agency sets its Effective Date.
The FCC adopted the order on July 22 and released it the next day. Part 100 will replace Part 25 when it takes effect. The Effective Date will determine when the new licensing structure becomes the general framework for authorizations, subject to transition guidance.
The FCC says the reorganization aims to make application reviews more predictable and requirements easier to navigate. In explaining the change, the agency described Part 25 as difficult to follow and said innovation in the industry calls for more speed, predictability and flexibility.
Part 100 organizes requirements around applications, operations and compliance. It sets 20-year terms for most space-station and earth-station licenses and creates a Variable Trajectory Space Station (VTSS) license category. The order also changes how the FCC handles earth-station authorizations.
The framework adds a data-sharing requirement: space-station operators must provide ephemeris data for space situational awareness. The order covers both licensing procedures and obligations for operators, but most of its provisions depend on the Effective Date.
The FCC assigned its Space Bureau to announce that date. In October guidance, the bureau said Part 25 generally continues to govern until the Effective Date, subject to exceptions in the guidance. The guidance also provides specified transition relief before the date.
The FCC adopted a Further Notice on July 22 and released it July 23; the Federal Register published its notice on Oct. 26. It seeks comments on additional changes, including a proposed licensing path for experimental space projects and more flexibility for operators to adjust activity within approved parameters. Those ideas remain proposals.
Comments are due Nov. 25, with replies due Dec. 28.
