FCC
NASA outlines concerns about Starlink next-generation constellation in FCC letter
NASA says that SpaceX’s proposal for a second-generation Starlink constellation with 30,000 satellites could lead to a “significant increase” in potential collisions in low Earth orbit and interfere with the agency’s launches and scientific activities.
Connecting the Dots | Getting satellite regulation up to speed
As part of efforts in the U.S. to bring regulation up to speed, the Federal Communications Commission is proposing revising rules governing how fixed-satellite service operators in NGSO share congested spectrum to avoid interference.
Connecting the Dots | Addressing the V-band disconnect
As the next wave of non-geostationary satellite constellations seeks U.S. Federal Communications Commission permission to operate in V-band, antenna makers are racing to make business cases viable in this Extremely High Frequency (EHF) area of radio spectrum.
Satellite operators criticize “extreme” megaconstellation filings
Established satellite operators expressed their frustration at the wave of filings for enormous satellite constellations, arguing nations need to step forward and establish rules to curtail such systems.
Astra says focus is on launch as it files application for satellite constellation
A week after a filing an application with the FCC for a constellation of more than 13,000 satellites, Astra Space executives said that their near-term focus remains on developing their launch capabilities.
Astra files FCC application for 13,600-satellite constellation
Small launch vehicle developer Astra Space filed an application with the FCC Nov. 4 to deploy a constellation of more than 13,600 satellites that would provide broadband services.
Report calls on government agencies to better coordinate spectrum
An interagency dispute about the use of a spectrum band for weather forecasting versus terrestrial wireless services illustrates the need for the federal government to reform its spectrum management processes, a report concluded.
Op-Ed | Who wants to step up to a $10 billion risk?
A proposed satellite constellation would be registered in Papua New Guinea, which has not stepped up to accept specific international responsibility or liability for the activities of commercial entities it has licensed.
Lynk files FCC license application for initial direct-to-cellphone satellite system
Lynk, a startup developing a constellation of satellites to provide connectivity for mobile phones, has filed a license application with the Federal Communications Commission to operate an initial set of satellites.
SpaceX outlines first orbital Starship test flight
SpaceX has disclosed details for the first orbital test flight of its next-generation Starship launch system, but the company is still far short of the regulatory approvals needed for the mission.
FCC approves Starlink license modification
The FCC approved a modification of SpaceX’s license for its Starlink constellation, allowing the company to operate more than 2,800 additional satellites in lower orbits.
SpaceX and OneWeb spar over satellite close approach
An alleged close approach between satellites from OneWeb and SpaceX led to a meeting between the companies and the FCC, but the companies don’t completely agree on what resulted from that discussion.
FCC proposes to allocate spectrum for commercial launches
The Federal Communications Commission will take up a long-awaited proposal at its next meeting to set aside a spectrum band for commercial launches.
Umbra advertises SAR imagery with 15-centimeter resolution
Radar satellite startup Umbra plans to capture imagery with a resolution as high as 15 centimeters per pixel thanks to a Federal Communications Commission license.
FCC C-band auction raised nearly $81 billion so far
The U.S. Federal Communication Commission’s C-band auction of 280-megahertz of C-band has raised nearly $81 billion and it’s not quite over.
OneWeb slashes size of future satellite constellation
OneWeb says it’s drastically reducing the size of a proposed next-generation satellite constellation originally envisioned to have nearly 48,000 satellites.
FCC grants permission for polar launch of Starlink satellites
The Federal Communications Commission will allow SpaceX to launch 10 Starlink satellites into polar orbit on an upcoming mission, but deferred a decision on a much broader modification of SpaceX’s license.
Viasat asks FCC to perform environmental review of Starlink
Viasat has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to perform an environmental review of SpaceX’s Starlink broadband constellation, arguing that the satellite system poses environmental hazards in space and on Earth.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to leave agency in January
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, who oversaw the agency's work to streamline space-related regulation, announced plans to leave the agency Jan. 20, 2021.
C-band bonanza bails out sluggish year for satellite orders
With an eye toward the FCC’s 2023 deadline, Intelsat and SES went on a shopping spree. But the C-band bonanza isn’t likely to be repeated anytime soon.
