FCC's New Order Speeds Up Satellite Launches

The FCC is proposing a new Space Modernization Order, slated for a July 22 vote, designed to significantly accelerate satellite licensing approvals. This initiative aims to reduce the approval timeline from over a year to as little as weeks or months, thereby boosting the rollout of advanced space-based broadband services.

This regulatory overhaul is part of an effort to modernize outdated rules and adopt a more predictable "licensing assembly line" approach. The goal is to ensure the United States remains a leading destination for space industry innovation and operation, particularly as companies develop low-Earth orbit satellites at an unprecedented pace.

Key changes include streamlining the review process for new satellite systems and modifications, with a "default to yes" presumption for applications that align with the commission's rules. The public comment period for satellite applications will also be halved from 30 days to 15 days to expedite processing.

While the order aims to foster innovation, it also addresses proposals for space-based data centers, a burgeoning but unproven sector. Concerns from astronomers and environmentalists regarding orbital congestion and light pollution are being considered, with rules requiring providers to share space situational awareness data.

The FCC's move aims to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, such as SpaceX's Starlink, which has grown to over 12 million customers and aims for gigabit speeds and 5G-like connectivity. The proposed order signifies a critical step in adapting regulations to the fast-evolving space technology landscape.