If you are a US operator
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorises satellite and earth-station operations for US-jurisdiction networks.
Common filings
- Part 25 application — most commercial satellite systems (GSO or NGSO).
- Part 5 experimental licence — for short-duration technology demos.
- Earth station licence — any gateway or user terminal operating above low-power thresholds.
Recent updates
- Streamlined small-satellite authorisation (<180 kg, <6 years) — faster processing for NGSO cubesats that meet hardware safety criteria.
- 5-year post-mission disposal rule — FCC-licenced LEO satellites must de-orbit within 5 years of end-of-mission (tightened from the older 25-year guideline).
- Space innovation agenda — the Space Bureau stood up in 2023 consolidates satellite regulation.
Timing
Plan ~6-12 months for a Part 25 application, longer for complex NGSO constellations. Debris-mitigation plans and link budgets are scrutinised closely.