The FCC adopted new rules to ensure commercial space launches have the spectrum resources they need for reliable communications.
The volume of commercial space launches in the United States has increased significantly in recent years, with more than 100 launches expected to occur this year. Each of these launches requires the use of radio spectrum to download data from the rocket and send control signals during the launch.
The new FCC rules adopt a new allocation in the 2025 to 2110 MHz band for ground-to-launch vehicle telecommand uses, and make the entire 2200 to 2290 MHz band available for launch telemetry. The rules also establish a non-exclusive nationwide licensing framework and technical rules to give operators the predictability they need to conduct commercial space launch operations.
The FCC said these new rules will help to ensure that commercial space launches can continue to operate safely and efficiently, while also supporting the continued growth of the US space industry.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel states " We need to ensure that providers have a more consistent and reliable way to get the bandwidth they need for communications during space launches. Historically, this agency provided access to airwaves for space launch activity using special temporary authority. But this cobbled-together approach is not well-suited to an era where commercial launches are a happening with far greater frequency. So today we allocate airwaves specifically to support commercial space launch activity. It will make our process simpler and more open to new entrants. It will better facilitate coordination with our federal partners through the use of a frequency coordinator. Launches are nail-biting undertakings under ideal conditions, so this will help make them easier and also boost competition."
