FCC FACT SHEET* Streamlining Licensing Procedures for Small Satellites Report and Order, IB Docket No
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FCC FACT SHEET* Streamlining Licensing Procedures for Small Satellites Report and Order, IB Docket No. 18-86 Background: The Commission’s part 25 satellite licensing rules, primarily used by commercial systems, group satellites into two general categories—geostationary-satellite orbit systems and non-geostationary-satellite orbit (NGSO) systems—for purposes of application processing. The Commission’s satellite licensing rules, in particular those applicable to commercial operations, were generally not developed with small satellite systems in mind, and uniformly impose fees and regulatory requirements appropriate to expensive, long-lived missions. However, the Commission has recognized that smaller, less expensive satellites, known colloquially as “small satellites” or “small sats,” have gained popularity among satellite operators, including for commercial operations. Therefore, in 2018, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposed to develop a new authorization process tailored specifically to small satellite operations, keeping in mind efficient use of spectrum and mitigation of orbital debris. What the Report and Order Would Do: • Create an alternative, optional application process within part 25 of the Commission’s rules for small satellites. This streamlined process would be an addition to, and not replace, the existing processes for satellite authorization under parts 5 (experimental), 25, and 97 (amateur) of the Commission’s rules. • This new streamlined application process could be used by applicants for satellites and satellite systems meeting certain qualifying characteristics, such as: . 10 or fewer satellites under a single authorization. Total in-orbit lifetime of satellite(s) of six years or less. Maximum individual satellite wet mass of 180 kg. Propulsion capabilities or deployment below 600 km altitude. Ability to share use of authorized frequency band with current operations and without materially constraining future satellite entrants seeking to use the band. Relatively low risk from an orbital debris perspective, as assessed through additional clearly ascertainable characteristics. • Applicants qualifying for this process would have a streamlined application, would be exempted from the Commission’s processing round procedures, and could take advantage of a one-year grace period from posting of a surety bond. • Adopt a new application fee category for small satellite applicants seeking a U.S. license or access to the U.S. market, with an application fee of $30,000, and adopt a new small satellite regulatory fee category. * This document is being released as part of a "permit-but-disclose" proceeding. Any presentations or views on the subject expressed to the Commission or its staff, including by email, must be filed in IB Docket No. 18-86, which may be accessed via the Electronic Comment Filing System (https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/). Before filing, participants should familiarize themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules, including the general prohibition on presentations (written and oral) on matters listed on the Sunshine Agenda, which is typically released a week prior to the Commission’s meeting. See 47 CFR § 1.1200 et seq. Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC1908-04 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) Streamlining Licensing Procedures for Small ) IB Docket 18-86 Satellites ) ) REPORT AND ORDER** Adopted: [] Released: [] TABLE OF CONTENTS Heading Paragraph # I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 2 II. BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................... 3 III. REPORT AND ORDER ........................................................................................................................ 9 A. Adoption of a Streamlined Small Satellite and Small Spacecraft Process ....................................... 9 B. Characteristics of a Satellite or System Qualifying for Streamlined Processing ........................... 17 1. Number of Satellites ................................................................................................................ 21 2. Planned In-Orbit Lifetime ....................................................................................................... 31 3. License Term ........................................................................................................................... 36 4. Deployment Orbit and Maneuverability .................................................................................. 42 5. Maximum Spacecraft Size ....................................................................................................... 50 6. Operational Debris and Collision Risk .................................................................................... 54 7. Trackability ............................................................................................................................. 58 8. Casualty Risk ........................................................................................................................... 64 9. Cessation of Emissions ............................................................................................................ 66 10. Streamlined Small Spacecraft Process .................................................................................... 70 11. Other Characteristics ............................................................................................................... 73 C. Application Requirements ............................................................................................................. 77 D. Application Processing .................................................................................................................. 81 * This document has been circulated for tentative consideration by the Commission at its August 2019 open meeting. The issues referenced in this document and the Commission’s ultimate resolution of those issues remain under consideration and subject to change. This document does not constitute any official action by the Commission. However, the Chairman has determined that, in the interest of promoting the public’s ability to understand the nature and scope of issues under consideration, the public interest would be served by making this document publicly available. The FCC’s ex parte rules apply and presentations are subject to “permit-but-disclose” ex parte rules. See, e.g., 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.1206, 1.1200(a). Participants in this proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules, including the general prohibition on presentations (written and oral) on matters listed on the Sunshine Agenda, which is typically released a week prior to the Commission’s meeting. See 47 CFR §§ 1.1200(a), 1.1203. Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC1908-04 E. Interference Protection Status ........................................................................................................ 91 F. Revised Bond Requirement ........................................................................................................... 94 G. Technical Rules .............................................................................................................................. 99 H. Fees .............................................................................................................................................. 100 I. Frequency Considerations for Small Satellites ............................................................................ 108 1. Compatibility and Sharing with Federal Users...................................................................... 108 2. Spectrum Assignments for Streamlined Small Satellites ...................................................... 112 J. Other Issues .................................................................................................................................. 118 IV. PROCEDURAL MATTERS .............................................................................................................. 120 V. ORDERING CLAUSES ..................................................................................................................... 125 APPENDIX A – Final Rules APPENDIX B – Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis APPENDIX C – List of Commenters I. INTRODUCTION 1. Recent technological innovation has spurred an increasing use of what have been colloquially termed “small satellites” or “small sats” for a wide variety of missions, ranging from short- term experimental missions conducting scientific experiments to longer term commercial communications and remote sensing missions.1 There are a number of ways of defining small satellites, but they are most often associated with small size (some based on the “CubeSat” standard2), short duration missions, and relatively low cost. Many small satellites have been part of government missions, but an ever-increasing number of non-governmental missions by companies, academic institutions, and others have used small satellites. The Communications Act of 1934, as amended, requires the issuance of a license for communications to and from the United States or from any U.S. satellite,3 and applications requesting a license or authorization to operate with small satellites represent a growing percentage of the number of satellite