Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has proposed a policy designed to ensure reliable spectrum access for what he described as “weird space stuff”, a term used to describe emerging ventures such as orbital laboratories, in-space satellite repairs and privately operated inhabitable spacecraft.
The proposal focuses on improving access to spectrum for telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) systems, which are essential for controlling spacecraft and maintaining safe operations in orbit.
If adopted at the commission’s March monthly meeting, the FCC would begin a formal regulatory process to address the growing spectrum needs of these next-generation space missions.
Under Carr’s proposal, the FCC would pursue a two-pronged strategy. First, the regulator would examine ways to clarify its existing rules so that emerging space operations can obtain reliable and predictable access to spectrum needed for mission control and operational safety.
Second, the commission would investigate the identification of new spectrum bands specifically suited to the safety and operational requirements of advanced space technologies.
Carr said the initiative was designed to ensure the United States maintains its leadership in the rapidly expanding global space sector.
“America’s leadership in space relies on predictable spectrum resources,” Carr said.
“Nowhere is this more clear than when it comes to cutting-edge space operations that move from science fiction into modern reality – whether that’s repairing a satellite in orbit or developing pharmaceutical solutions in a space-based laboratory.
“These ventures require secure radio signals for control and basic operations, and today’s proposal is the first step toward ensuring the spectrum availability needed for those activities to thrive.”
Carr has circulated a draft notice of proposed rulemaking to fellow commissioners outlining potential changes to the FCC’s regulatory framework.
If approved, the process would examine how market-based approaches could encourage more efficient use of spectrum resources while supporting the growth of the commercial space economy.
The proposal would also consider expanding or clarifying existing regulatory classifications so emerging space activities can obtain more predictable access to spectrum.
Another key element of the review would involve identifying new frequency bands that could be allocated specifically for novel space applications, providing a clearer and faster pathway for companies developing advanced space technologies.
Reliable spectrum access is fundamental to all spacecraft operations. Even satellites that do not provide communications services to the public still rely on radio frequencies for essential safety functions such as telemetry, tracking and command.
These systems allow operators to monitor spacecraft health, track their position in orbit and send instructions to control manoeuvres and mission operations.
However, US companies developing new space technologies are increasingly facing shortages of accessible spectrum suitable for TT&C functions. Regulators warn that this growing spectrum crunch could slow or potentially block the expansion of domestic space capabilities and undermine US competitiveness in the global space economy.
The initiative forms part of a broader push by the FCC to increase spectrum availability for space-based services.
Earlier this year, the commission launched a separate regulatory process aimed at making up to 20,000 megahertz of spectrum available for traditional connectivity services, including high-speed broadband delivered by satellite constellations operating in low-Earth orbit.
At the same time, the FCC has begun a comprehensive review of its licensing and regulatory framework governing space communications, as part of efforts to adapt the rules to a rapidly evolving commercial space industry.