The Federal Communications Commission published a further satellite licensing proposal on October 26, 2026, establishing deadlines for comments on experimental operations, authorized operating parameters, and earth-station requirements. The notice includes a SpaceX suggestion to simplify documentation demonstrating compliance with radiofrequency-exposure limits.
The Federal Register notice belongs to the Space Modernization for the 21st Century proceeding, SB Docket 25-306. It summarizes the further notice within FCC 26-47, adopted July 22 and released July 23. October publication establishes the public response schedule for those proposals; it is not a new adoption of the July decision.
Experimental Satellite Licensing
The FCC proposes a more unified process for experimental space and earth stations. These are the radio stations aboard spacecraft and on the ground that communicate as part of a satellite system. Existing experimental applications use Part 5 of the commission’s rules, which also covers experiments outside the space sector.
The notice describes a recurring classification problem: an operator may be testing new capabilities on a satellite associated with an existing commercial service. Such work can require discussion with the agency about whether experimental or commercial licensing procedures apply.
One proposed approach would create a space-specific subpart within Part 5, with the Space Bureau processing the applications and cross-references connecting them to Part 100. The commission also asks about alternatives, including placing experimental provisions directly in Part 100 and handling experiments that combine space, terrestrial, or aeronautical operations.
The proposed experimental framework would retain operation on an unprotected, non-interference basis. That means an experimental operator would have to avoid harmful interference without receiving the protections associated with a commercial authorization. The notice discusses two-year license terms, with longer terms of up to five years when justified.
Broader Authorized Operating Parameters
Another part of the proposal concerns what the FCC calls “operational envelopes.” Applicants would seek permission for a defined set of operating parameters broad enough to accommodate specified changes without repeatedly applying for amendments or modifications.
The distinction is between approving each change individually and approving a permitted range in advance. The commission seeks comments on how such authority should work within the operational provisions of Part 100.
These proposals concern satellite radio licensing. New Space Economy’s discussion of FCC satellite communications regulation explains the separate treatment of radio links and optical links, including why a spacecraft using lasers may still require authorization for radio-based command or customer communications.
SpaceX’s Exposure-Documentation Proposal
SpaceX has suggested aligning earth-station radiofrequency-exposure submissions with the commission’s Part 2 rules. The further notice asks whether applicants should certify compliance with applicable limits when filing, then provide supporting technical information if the FCC requests it.
The commission did not adopt that change in the accompanying order. It explains that the proposal would require changes to Part 1 and that the existing record was insufficient. The new questions address both administrative duplication and the amount of technical information available to the public.
The notice also considers earth-station classifications, satellite terminals on drones, and possible changes to license-modification procedures. These subjects remain under consideration through the further rulemaking.
Comments are due November 25, 2026, and replies are due December 28. Submissions should identify SB Docket 25-306. The response process will develop the record for the commission’s decisions on the experimental licensing framework, operating flexibility, and supporting technical documentation.
