In 2019, the FCC created an alternative, optional application process for small satellites and spacecraft with non-Earth orbit missions in its Report and Order on Streamlining Licensing Procedures for Small Satellites (IB Docket No. 18-86; FCC 19-18). This process enables small satellite and spacecraft applicants to take advantage of an easier application process with lower application fees, generally shorter processing times, forbearance from the performance bond requirement for one year, and exemption from processing round rules.
The streamlined small satellite and spacecraft process was created because the Commission noticed an increase in applications that were not experimental, but did not fit well into the existing processes for non-geostationary satellites (NGSOs), which were originally designed to facilitate sharing between systems, e.g., traditional MSS systems, that require “always on” spectrum availability.
The streamlined small satellite and small spacecraft processes are available for satellite operators seeking a U.S. license and for non-U.S.-licensed operators who are seeking to operate with U.S. earth stations.
Qualifying Characteristics for Streamlined Small Satellite Licensing
The streamlined small satellite process is available for applications that meet certain qualifying characteristics/criteria:
- Number of Satellites: Ten or fewer satellites under a single license.
- Planned In-Orbit Lifetime: Maximum in-orbit lifetime of any individual satellite is six years, including time to de-orbit the satellite.
- License Term: All operations under a license will be completed within six years from when the first satellite in the system is launched.
- Satellite Mass: Maximum mass of any individual satellite is 180 kg, including propellant at launch.
- Deployment Orbit and Maneuverability: Satellite(s) will be deployed below 600 km altitude or have the capability to perform collision avoidance and de-orbit maneuvers using propulsion.
- Trackability: Any individual satellite is 10 cm or larger in its smallest dimension. Satellite(s) will all have a unique telemetry marker.
- Casualty Risk: Probability of casualty resulting from uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry of any satellite is zero, as calculated using current NASA software or other higher fidelity model.
- Cessation of Emissions: Licensees must have the capability to eliminate harmful interference, when necessary, under the terms of the license or other applicable regulations. Satellites must have the capability for immediate cessation of emissions on telecommand.
- Operational Debris and Collision Risk:
- Satellite(s) will release no planned debris.
- Satellite operator has assessed and limited the probability of debris being generated by accidental explosion resulting from the conversion of energy sources on board the satellite(s) into energy that fragments the spacecraft.
- Probability of in-orbit collision between a satellite and any other large object (10 cm or larger) is 0.001 or less as calculated using current NASA software or higher fidelity model.
- Other Characteristics: Radiofrequency operations will be compatible with existing operations in the requested frequency bands and not materially constrain future operations of other satellites in those frequency bands.
- The applicant must provide a demonstration that the satellite operations can share spectrum with current and future operators. This usually involves a demonstration, for example, that the satellites are communicating with a limited number of earth stations or otherwise have limited spectrum use.
Streamlined Small Spacecraft Licensing
This process is also adopted for small spacecraft with planned non-Earth orbiting missions, such as commercial lunar missions. Applicants for these missions are exempt from the following qualifying characteristics:
- Number of Satellites: Ten or fewer satellites under a single license.
- Planned In-Orbit Lifetime: Maximum in-orbit lifetime of any individual satellite is six years, including time to de-orbit the satellite.
- License Term: All operations under a license will be completed within six years from when the first satellite in the system is launched.
- Satellite Mass: Maximum mass of any individual satellite is 500 kg, including propellant at launch.
- Orbit and Disposal: The space craft will operate and be disposed of beyond Earth’s orbit (e.g., Escape orbit, or lunar surface disposal)
- Trackability: Any individual satellite is 10 cm or larger in its smallest dimension. Satellite(s) will all have a unique telemetry marker.
- Casualty Risk: Probability of casualty resulting from uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry of any satellite is zero, as calculated using current NASA software or other higher fidelity model.
- Cessation of Emissions: Licensees must have the capability to eliminate harmful interference, when necessary, under the terms of the license or other applicable regulations. Satellites must have the capability for immediate cessation of emissions on telecommand.
- Operational Debris and Collision Risk:
- Satellite(s) will release no planned debris.
- Satellite operator has assessed and limited the probability of debris being generated by accidental explosion resulting from the conversion of energy sources on board the satellite(s) into energy that fragments the spacecraft.
- Probability of in-orbit collision between a satellite and any other large object (10 cm or larger) is 0.001 or less as calculated using current NASA software or higher fidelity model.
- Other Characteristics: Radiofrequency operations will be compatible with existing operations in the requested frequency bands and not materially constrain future operations of other satellites in those frequency bands.
- The applicant must provide a demonstration that the satellite operations can share spectrum with current and future operators. This usually involves a demonstration, for example, that the satellites are communicating with a limited number of earth stations or otherwise have limited spectrum use.
- Orbital Debris Mitigation Plan: The Commission will not require a qualifying certification related to spacecraft disposal by atmospheric re-entry, but will ask applicants to provide a brief description of their disposal plan, since there are multiple potential disposal scenarios.
In addition to the specifying compliance with the qualifying criteria, applicants for small satellite license or grant of market access must provide the following:
- An overall description of system facilities, operations, and services and an explanation of how uplink frequency bands would be connected to downlink frequency bands;
- Public interest considerations in support of grant;
- A description of means by which requested spectrum could be shared with both current and future operators, (e.g., how ephemeris data will be shared, antenna design, earth station geographic locations) thereby not materially constraining other operations in the requested frequency band(s);
- For space stations with any means of maneuverability, including both active and passive means, a description of the design and operation of maneuverability and deorbit systems, and a description of the anticipated evolution over time of the orbit of the proposed satellite or satellites; and
- In any instances where spacecraft capable of having crew aboard will be located at or below the deployment orbital altitude of the space station seeking a license, a description of the design and operational strategies that will be used to avoid in-orbit collision with such crewed spacecraft shall be furnished at time of application.
- A list of the FCC file numbers or call signs for any known applications or Commission grants related to the proposed operations (e.g., experimental license grants, other satellite or earth station applications or grants).
Other information is required as described in the Part 25 Space Station Checklist.
- FCC Form 312, Main Form
- Schedule S
- ITU SpaceCap Filing (for U.S.-license application) as well as an ITU Graphical Interference Management System (GIMS) file, an ITU SpaceVal output showing now fatal errors, a FCC Cover Letter for ITU SpaceCap Filing, and an ITU Cost Recovery Letter.
- For non-U.S.-licensed operators who are seeking to operate with U.S. earth stations:
- Information on the licensing administration and licensing status (e.g., whether the satellite is in-orbit and operating, has a license from another administration, or has been submitted for coordination to the ITU).
- An exhibit with their FCC Form 312 demonstrating that U.S.-licensed satellite systems have effective competitive opportunities to provide analogous services in:
- The country in which the non-U.S. licensed space station is licensed; and
- If the non-U.S. licensed satellite is licensed by or is seeking a license from a country that is not a member of the World Trade Organization, additional public interest information is required (see section 25.137(a)(2)).
Applicants are reminded that all statements made in exhibits are part of the application, and that the person signing the application must certify, individually and for the applicant, that all statements made in the application and exhibits are true, complete, and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Willful false statements are punishable by fine, imprisonment, revocation of any station authorization, and/or monetary forfeiture.
The information provided in this webpage is for the convenience of applicants and is not controlling in case of discrepancies between this webpage and other Commission rules, orders, and releases. If you believe this webpage contains inaccuracies or omissions, please e-mail any concerns to satinfo@fcc.gov.