FCC frees spectrum for spacecraft that was empty all along
Spectrum sat unused while spacecraft operators waited months for approval to use it.
What happened
The US government is making it easier for new kinds of spacecraft operations to get access to radio frequencies. This means more types of non-satellite missions will have a clearer path to operate in space.
Why it matters
For decades, the rules for using radio waves in space were mostly written for communication satellites. This created a bottleneck for newer, smaller, or specialized spacecraft that need radio for things like tracking or sending commands. This change opens up unused radio bands, potentially lowering costs and enabling more diverse space missions beyond traditional satellites. It means companies building things like space tugs, orbital debris removal systems, or scientific probes will have an easier time getting the necessary permits.
The signal
Watch for the birth of Spectrum Brokers. Within 18 months, if we see companies act as "AirBnB for radio waves", matching spacecraft operators with legacy holders, the market has officially shifted.
The FCC opened new spectrum for spacecraft that are not communications satellites. This distinguishes them from communications satellites, which already have spectrum, and which are also spacecraft.