Chairman Carr Thanks Departing Space Bureau Chief as FCC’s Space Innovation Agenda Moves Ahead 
Schwarz Led Once-in-a-Generation Overhaul of FCC’s Space Licensing Process 
   
WASHINGTON, August 7, 2026—Today, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr thanked Jay Schwarz, Chief of the FCC’s Space Bureau, and reflected on all the FCC has accomplished during his tenure at the Commission.  The Chairman also announced that Deputy Bureau Chief Jennifer Gilsenan will serve as Acting Space Bureau Chief during this transition.

Chairman Carr issued the following statement:

“It’s bittersweet that Jay will be departing the FCC later this month.  During his most recent stint at the Commission, he has built upon his legacy as a dedicated public servant and added rocket fuel to our agenda here at the FCC and for that we are all grateful to him.

“When I first discussed this role with Jay, I told him I wanted us to process licenses and applications much faster and to update the FCC’s space rules for the 21st Century.  Right away, Jay dove into the weeds with the Space Bureau staff, and they made immediate progress.  In the first year, they cut the agency’s licensing backlog down by 43%.  And it’s already down another 15% in 2026.  Just last month, the Space Bureau completed a monumental rulemaking process to modernize FCC space licensing through a once-in-a-generation overhaul.  The speed and ambition at which the Commission executed these reforms is historically unprecedented within the federal government.  

“While Jay leaves big shoes to fill, I am confident that the team will continue to deliver great results as we march ahead.  I thank Jennifer for stepping up to the plate as Acting Chief and look forward to working with her more closely.”

Additional background information:

The Space Bureau plays a key role in advancing the Commission’s Space Innovation Agenda to meet the needs of the next generation Space Age.  The Bureau promotes a competitive and innovative global communications marketplace by leading policy and licensing matters related to satellite and space-based communications and activities.  The Space Bureau also serves as the FCC’s focal point for coordination with other U.S. government agencies on matters of space policy and governance, and collaborates with the Office of International Affairs for consultations with other countries, international and multi-lateral organizations, and foreign government officials that involve satellite and space policy matters.

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