The Biden administration’s Launch Communications Act, signed into law Sept. 26, aims to streamline the Federal Communications Commission’s process for regulating radio frequencies during commercial space launches and reentries. With this new law, satellite companies should expect a more efficient process for satellite launches and reentries.
The prior process of dealing with commercial space launches was created decades ago and is no longer optimal to deal with the exponential growth of commercial space launches in the current environment.
The main changes that this law will enact are:
- Streamlined authorization process – The law requires the FCC to issue rules to streamline the application process for businesses to use spectrum frequencies for launches. It also allows companies to authorize multiple launches under a single request.
- Improved coordination – The law modifies the process for authorizing commercial space launches from public and private sites. It also requires improved coordination between the FCC and the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) to automate the application review process for commercial space launches and reentries.
- Spectrum allocation – The law mandates the FCC to allocate spectrum to support satellite servicing and relaunch operations. The FCC must allocate temporary spectrum access for commercial space activity within approved frequency bands.
The growth of the satellite communication industry has seen more entrants and more launches in recent years. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Commercial Space Transportation licenses and regulates U.S. commercial space activities. This government agency has tracked and is forecasting authorized commercial space operations. The commercial space activities grew from 14 operations in 2015, to 33 in 2020, and 113 in 2023. The FAA has forecasted a range of operations between 195 to 338 in 2028. In the prior three years, actual operations have been greater than the high range of the yearly forecast.
The launch of a commercial satellite takes a lot of effort and coordination between the private sector as well as multiple government agencies. This law is looking to streamline an outdated piece of the process related to the approval of spectrum frequencies. As the commercial space and satellite industry grows, companies will need to manage and evaluate their risks related to controls, regulations, and security as they increase the number of launches required each year and face more competition from challengers looking to enter this expanding industry.
