Grant of Kuiper Modification Application to Revise Orbital Parameters

In this Order and Authorization (Order), the Federal Communications Commission's Space Bureau grants Kuiper Systems LLC’s (Kuiper) application for modification of the license for its constellation of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites. Kuiper plans to use frequencies allocated to the fixed-satellite service (FSS) and mobile-satellite service (MSS) in the Ka-band. The license modification reduces the total number of satellites specified in its constellation from 3,236 to 3,232; modifies the specified orbital parameters of its constellation; and authorizes radiofrequency communications necessary for Kuiper to conduct launch and early-orbit phase (LEOP) operations, payload testing, and deorbit operations on a non-interference basis. In connection with grant of this modification, we deny the Petition to Deny filed by Space Exploration Holdings, LLC (SpaceX). Grant of Kuiper’s application will serve the public interest by allowing Kuiper to accelerate the deployment of its constellation and improve customer coverage once deployed, thereby bringing affordable broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved areas of the United States.