Guidance On Obtaining Experimental Authorizations For Commercial Space Launch Activities

The purpose of this Public Notice is to provide guidance for commercial space launch activities and related spacecraft use that require the use of spectrum for operational communications related to launch, cargo delivery, and/or re-entry.

Currently, commercial space launch operations use radio frequencies allocated exclusively for federal government use, and the scope of such operations often encompass use of radio transmissions from within and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may authorize use of these radio frequencies on a temporary, noninterference basis through the FCC’s Experimental Authorization process. This Public Notice provides guidance to applicants on how to obtain an Experimental Authorization for communications used for commercial space launch activities and related cargo transport activities. This Public Notice also provides guidance concerning experimental licensing of related non-government ground stations and ground testing facilities.