Space Month at the FCC

In Nov, during what we’ve dubbed Space Month, the Federal Communications Commission will take up nine items to ensure that America leads in the New Space Age, with an emphasis on cutting through the red tape. We start with improving a satellite-enabled technology that millions of Americans rely on every day without even knowing it: the positioning, navigation, and timing service known to most Americans as the Global Positioning System, or GPS. The Commission will vote on allowing American devices to access the European global navigation satellite system, known as Galileo. We’ll also be voting on a package of orders that would give the green light to companies seeking to roll out new and expanded services using new non-geostationary satellite constellations. To help these new constellations have a real impact down here on Earth, we’re also looking to expand the opportunities for satellites to serve Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs). Additionally, I’ve proposed the first comprehensive review of the Commission’s orbital debris rules since their adoption in 2004. This proposal aims to improve and clarify these rules based on improvements in mitigation practices, and to address recent market developments. We’ll also vote on a Report and Order involving hearing aid compatibility. And finally, as part of the Commission’s ongoing Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative, we’ll also consider a Report and Order to update certain notice requirements that principally apply to cable operators.