FCC to Vote on Satellite Licensing Overhaul on July 22

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote on July 22 on a "Space Modernization Order" that would replace the agency's long-standing Part 25 space and Earth station regulations with a new Part 100 framework, creating a "licensing assembly line" designed to keep pace with increasingly large and complex commercial constellation plans.

Key elements of the reform include shortening the public notice window for typical license applications from 30 days to 15 days (unless a longer period is required by statute), expanding the types of minor modifications operators can make without prior FCC authorization, and moving reviews that can currently stretch for years onto timelines measured in months or weeks. To address collision risks in increasingly crowded low Earth orbit, the order would require operators to share satellite tracking data with an approved space situational awareness provider, while also seeking comment on creating a space-based experimental licensing regime.

"Getting the regulatory framework right will determine if America wins this Space Race 2.0," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement. "We are fundamentally changing how we process satellite and earth station operations—moving from bespoke reviews to a consistent, predictable, and objective assembly line process."

Pending applications for massive orbital data center constellations, including SpaceX's proposal for up to one million satellites to support AI demand, would not be subject to the order's revised processing timelines. The vote also coincides with Congress's consideration of the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, which would impose statutory deadlines on the FCC's satellite licensing process.

In the same July 22 meeting, the FCC will also vote on rules enabling an auction of 160 megahertz of upper C-band spectrum (3.98-4.14 GHz) next year—the agency's first auction of new commercial spectrum in five years.

FCC to Vote on Satellite Licensing Overhaul on July 22

FCC to Vote on Satellite Licensing Overhaul on July 22

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