The FCC plans to vote Thursday on a Report and Order to provide more spectrum to U.S. commercial space launches. The S-band frequencies now used to support space launches are allocated exclusively for federal use. That means private space travel and satellite launch companies need to ask for special temporary authority from the Commission for each launch.
If adopted, the proposal would add a non-federal, secondary allocation in the band. The new allocation would limit use of the S-band (2.2 GHz to 2.29 GHz ) to transmissions from space launch vehicles during pre-launch testing and space launch operations.
Earlier this month, Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the plan would lead to “predictable and transparent rules” to support a growing industry. She called 2021 a “record year” for commercial space launches but noted the agency’s rules to support such efforts are outdated.
Companies like SpaceX and OneWeb are launching low-earth orbit satellites to provide global broadband. And Amazon Web Services recently announced a new space startup assistance program set to take place in June, Inside Towers reported.
A Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also slated for a vote would establish technical and service rules to support a more consistent licensing process.
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