FCC Allocates Additional Spectrum for Commercial Space Launches

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially allocated more spectrum for commercial space launch applications. This action fulfills a requirement within the Launch Communications Act (LCA) of 2024, passed earlier this year.

On Dec. 31, the FCC released a report and order allocating the 2360–2395 megahertz band for communication with commercial launch and reentry vehicles. This is a secondary allocation; the band's primary use is for aircraft and missile testing communications.

This order satisfies the LCA of 2024, signed into law by President Biden on Sept. 26. The act mandated the FCC to allocate three frequency bands for commercial launches and reentries, completing the process within 90 days of enactment.

Two bands, 2025–2110 and 2200–2290 megahertz, were already allocated by the FCC for launch and reentry use. The new allocation allows for both uplinks and downlinks in the 2360–2395 megahertz band.

Both the FCC and launch companies stressed the need for additional spectrum to handle the increasing launch activity. “By identifying more bandwidth for vital links to launch vehicles, we are making it simpler for new competitors to get consistent access to the spectrum they need,” stated Jessica Rosenworcel, chairwoman of the FCC, in a Dec. 19 statement.

Potential interference with aircraft and missile testing was a concern. The Aerospace and Flight Test Radio Coordinating Council raised this issue. However, the FCC noted the secondary nature of the allocation, requiring launch operators to prevent interference.

SpaceX and Virgin Galactic have already utilized parts of this band. Virgin Galactic noted its use of the band for “numerous” launches without interference issues.

The 2360–2395 megahertz band is now included in part 26 of the licensing framework, streamlining the application process.

“Our action today…provides regulatory certainty and improved efficiency for commercial space launch operations, and promotes continued innovation and investment in the United States commercial space launch industry,” the FCC stated.