The FCC wants to remove some of the red tape
involved in getting a license to launch and operate a "small
satellite" that meets certain criteria, including limited orbital
lifetime, low risk of leaving behind orbital debris and the ability to share
spectrum with other users. The AMSAT News Service reports that the FCC's Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) applies at this time only to satellites licensed
under Part 25 of its rules, which covers commercial and scientific satellites.
It is uncertain at this time how – or whether – any potential rule changes
might affect amateur satellites, which operate as part of the Amateur Satellite
Service under Part 97. AMSAT and other concerned groups will be monitoring
progress on the NPRM.
News and information of interest to ham radio operators from CQ Amateur Radio magazine, the world's leading independent ham radio magazine.
Friday, May 4, 2018
FCC Looking to Streamine Licensing for "Small Satellites"
The FCC wants to remove some of the red tape
involved in getting a license to launch and operate a "small
satellite" that meets certain criteria, including limited orbital
lifetime, low risk of leaving behind orbital debris and the ability to share
spectrum with other users. The AMSAT News Service reports that the FCC's Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) applies at this time only to satellites licensed
under Part 25 of its rules, which covers commercial and scientific satellites.
It is uncertain at this time how – or whether – any potential rule changes
might affect amateur satellites, which operate as part of the Amateur Satellite
Service under Part 97. AMSAT and other concerned groups will be monitoring
progress on the NPRM.