FCC Plan Seeks Reliable Spectrum Access for ‘Weird Space Stuff’ Like Orbital Laboratories, In-Space Repairs, and Inhabitable Spacecraft 
Predictable and Abundant Spectrum Resources Are Necessary for Telemetry, Tracking, and Command for On-the-Horizon Space Endeavors
   
WASHINGTON, March 26, 2026—Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to start a proceeding to bring greater spectrum abundance to cutting-edge, emergent ventures in space, namely supporting telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) for on-the-horizon endeavors like orbital laboratories, satellite repairs, and private inhabitable spacecraft.  The new “Weird Space Stuff” proceeding looks to address shortages of available, reliable spectrum for such operations.  The Commission will seek comment on ways to expand access, modernize the FCC’s rules, and give America’s space activities the predictable spectrum environment they need to thrive.

America’s leadership in space relies on predictable spectrum resources, including for spacecraft that do not provide radiocommunications services to the public.  American innovators, however, currently face an acute shortage of usable and readily accessible spectrum for TT&C, and that spectrum crunch threatens to delay—or even prevent—the growth of domestic space technologies and jeopardize U.S. leadership in the booming global space economy.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) looks to find ways to use market-based principles to see spectrum resources put to more intensive use in the service of the space economy.  The NPRM seeks to clarify and expand the FCC’s traditional regulatory classifications so that emergent operations have more predictable spectrum access.  The proceeding will also explore new spectrum bands that could support new use cases on a dedicated basis to provide a clear, reliable, and expeditious path to support the groundbreaking technologies and services that companies are developing in space.  

The Commission is aggressively pursuing a policy of spectrum abundance in outer space.  Earlier this year, it launched a proceeding to release up to 20,000 megahertz of spectrum for traditional connectivity services, including high-speed broadband from constellations in low-Earth orbit.  The Commission has also begun a comprehensive review of its licensing and regulatory framework for space communications. 

Action by the Commission March 26, 2026 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-13).  Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving.  Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty issuing separate statements.

SB Docket No. 26-54

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