FCC Satellite Licensing: A Complete Guide for Operators in 2026

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all radio-frequency emissions from satellites operating in or communicating with the United States. If your satellite downlinks to a US ground station or serves US customers, you need FCC authorization. Here's how the process works in 2026.

Update (September 2026): in July 2026 the FCC adopted a new "Part 100" framework for satellite licensing (FCC 26-47, adopted July 22) that replaces the older Part 25 rules. Among the changes, it drops the surety bond that geostationary applicants had to post (a bond now applies only to non-geostationary systems that opt into a processing round) and ties non-geostationary systems licensed outside processing rounds to the ITU's deployment milestones. The steps below describe the long-standing process; check the FCC Space Bureau's Part 100 materials for effective dates and transition rules before you file.

License Types

• Space Station License: Required for the satellite itself. Covers orbital parameters, frequencies, power levels, and operational procedures
• Earth Station License: Required for ground terminals communicating with the satellite. Blanket licenses available for large-scale consumer terminals (like Starlink dishes)
• Market Access (Non-US Operators): Foreign-licensed satellites seeking to serve the US market must file for market access with the FCC (satellite licensing moved from the International Bureau to the new Space Bureau in 2023)
• Experimental License: For testing and demonstration missions. Faster approval but limited duration and scope

Application Process

1. Pre-filing consultation: Meet with FCC staff to discuss your application. Not required but strongly recommended for novel systems
2. Filing: Submit through the FCC's International Communications Filing System (ICFS), which replaced the older IBFS. Include technical parameters, orbital debris mitigation plan, and spectrum coordination
3. Public notice period: 30 days for comments and petitions from other operators or the public
4. Technical review: FCC engineers evaluate interference potential and compliance with technical rules
5. Grant: Typical timeline is 6-18 months, depending on complexity and any disputes

The 5-Year Deorbit Rule

In September 2022, the FCC adopted a rule requiring all LEO satellites licensed after the effective date to deorbit within 5 years of end-of-life. This replaced the previous 25-year guideline. Key implications:

• All new FCC applications must include a specific deorbit plan
• Satellites without propulsion must demonstrate passive deorbit capability within 5 years
• Higher-altitude LEO missions may need propulsion to comply
• Operators must post a performance bond or demonstrate financial responsibility for deorbit

Spectrum Considerations

The FCC allocates spectrum in bands defined by the ITU Radio Regulations. Key satellite bands:

• L-band (1-2 GHz): Mobile satellite services, GPS
• S-band (2-4 GHz): Satellite radio, weather radar
• C-band (4-8 GHz): Traditional satellite TV (being repurposed for 5G in some markets)
• Ku-band (12-18 GHz): Satellite broadband, DTH television
• Ka-band (26-40 GHz): High-throughput satellite broadband (Starlink, Kuiper)
• V-band (40-75 GHz): Next-generation broadband (SpaceX has V-band authorization)

Track regulatory filings and licensing at SpaceNexus Compliance Hub.