Space Modernization for the 21st Century
Abstract
In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or we) proposes to overhaul and modernize the Commission's space and earth station licensing process to help "ensure that new space-based industries, space exploration capabilities, and cutting-edge defense systems are pioneered in America rather than by our adversaries." In particular, the NPRM proposes to develop a "licensing assembly line" designed so applications can be routed along different paths and segmented for review based on specific aspects of a request. This new process would set the stage for ongoing efficiency gains and would provide greater predictability and flexibility for applicants. In this way, we expect--like actual assembly lines--that the space review processes can be dramatically accelerated while improving the quality of the Commission's space licensing work.
Federal Register Source
This document is published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration. Access the full regulatory text, preamble, and docket comments below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2025-22019 Federal Register document?
Document 2025-22019 is a Proposed Rule published by the Federal Communications Commission in the Federal Register on December 5, 2025. In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or we) proposes to overhaul and modernize the Commission's space and earth station licensing process to help "ensure that new space-based industries, space exploration capabilities, and cutting-edge defense systems are pioneered in America rather than by our adversaries." In particular, the NPRM proposes to develop a "licensing assembly line" designed so applications can be routed along different paths and segmented for review based on specific aspects of a request. This new process would set the stage for ongoing efficiency gains and would provide greater predictability and flexibility for applicants. In this way, we expect--like actual assembly lines--that the space review processes can be dramatically accelerated while improving the quality of the Commission's space licensing work. View the original at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/05/2025-22019/space-modernization-for-the-21st-century.
Is document 2025-22019 an economically significant rule?
No. Document 2025-22019 is not classified as economically significant under Executive Order 12866. Economically significant rules require OIRA review and are estimated to have impacts of $100 million or more per year.