Allocation of Spectrum for Non-Federal Space Launch Operations
spectrum-allocation · Federal Communications Commission · Published 2025-03-07 · Effective 2025-04-07 · 90 FR 11480
Document
Document number
2025-02961
Federal Register citation
90 FR 11480
CFR reference
47 CFR 2
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
spectrum-allocation
Publication date
2025-03-07
Effective date
2025-04-07
FCC docket
ET Docket No. 13-115
Abstract
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) implements certain provisions of the Launch Communications Act (LCA) enacted September 26, 2024, governing the authorization and facilitation of commercial space operations in the 2025-2110 MHz, 2200- 2290 MHz, and 2360-2395 MHz bands (collectively, the LCA bands). To meet this statutory mandate, the Commission builds upon its action in the September 2023 Second Report and Order which, among other things, reallocated the 2025-2110 MHz and 2200-2290 MHz bands for non-Federal Space Operation on a secondary basis and adopted, for these two bands, space launch licensing framework. Specifically, the Commission reallocates the 2360-2395 MHz band on a secondary basis for Space Operation. Next, the Commission incorporates the 2360-2395 MHz band into its existing part 26 space launch regulatory framework that includes, for example, space launch licensing and frequency coordination rules. In order to protect critical Federal and non- Federal flight testing operations, we incorporate into our certain technical rules from our current. Finally, the Commission confirms that the specific licensing, registration, frequency coordination, and frequency coordinator selection procedures, to be refined by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau or WTB) on delegated authority, will apply to the LCA bands.