Spectrum Abundance for Weird Space Stuff
Abstract
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or we) looks to bring spectrum abundance for emergent space activities. "Emergent" or "emergent space operations" are those spacecraft or commercial operations in space that use radio spectrum for control of, or communications with, a spacecraft, but which are not communications satellites. Currently there is an acute shortage of usable and readily accessible spectrum for telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) functions that are essential for operating emergent spacecraft. Accordingly, this document seeks to clarify and expand the Commission's traditional regulatory classifications so that emergent space operations have more predictable access to spectrum. Additionally, this document proposes to add a secondary allocation for the Space Operation Service (SOS) in spectrum bands that could support emergent space activities, particularly in frequency bands allocated for non-Federal use that may be lightly used in certain geographic areas. This document also proposes to allow existing licensees to lease their spectrum to earth station licensees to provide SOS in connection with emergent spacecraft.
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.
View Full Text on FederalRegister.gov →Opens in new tab · federalregister.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026-06865 Federal Register document?
Document 2026-06865 is a Proposed Rule published by the Federal Communications Commission in the Federal Register on April 9, 2026. In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or we) looks to bring spectrum abundance for emergent space activities. "Emergent" or "emergent space operations" are those spacecraft or commercial operations in space that use radio spectrum for control of, or communications with, a spacecraft, but which are not communications satellites. Currently there is an acute shortage of usable and readily accessible spectrum for telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) functions that are essential for operating emergent spacecraft. Accordingly, this document seeks to clarify and expand the Commission's traditional regulatory classifications so that emergent space operations have more predictable access to spectrum. Additionally, this document proposes to add a secondary allocation for the Space Operation Service (SOS) in spectrum bands that could support emergent space activities, particularly in frequency bands allocated for non-Federal use that may be lightly used in certain geographic areas. This document also proposes to allow existing licensees to lease their spectrum to earth station licensees to provide SOS in connection with emergent spacecraft. View the original at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/09/2026-06865/spectrum-abundance-for-weird-space-stuff.
Is document 2026-06865 an economically significant rule?
No. Document 2026-06865 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.