Federal Register #2026-21818

FCC Seeks Comment on Proposed Space Licensing and Operations Reforms

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public comment on proposed reforms to its space-related licensing and operations framework. - Government buyer: Federal Communications Commission (FCC); no sub-agency or office is identified. - Notice purpose: Regulatory rulemaking, not a procurement opportunity. - Proposed policy changes: - Create a new experimental license for space and earth station technologies. - Consolidate licensing processes and establish a path for converting experimental licenses into regular authorizations. - Consider greater operational flexibility, including operational envelopes, and other licensing and policy changes. - OEMs and vendors: None identified. - Products, services, quantities, and part numbers: None requested.

Description

The Federal Communications Commission issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on and proposing reforms to its rules for space-related licensing and operations. Topics include creating a space-based experimental license, consolidating the licensing process for space and earth stations, and potentially converting experimental licenses to regular authorizations. The notice also seeks comment on operational flexibility and other rule and policy changes. Comments are due November 25, 2026, and reply comments are due December 28, 2026.

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