Launch Communications Act
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| Launch Communications Act | |
|---|---|
| 118th United States Congress | |
| Enacted by | 118th United States Congress |
| Enacted | September 26, 2024 |
| Signed by | Joe Biden |
| Signed | September 26, 2024 |
| Bill citation | H.R. 682; S. 1648 |
| Related legislation | |
| Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act | |
The Launch Communications Act (LCA) is a United States federal law enacted on September 26, 2024. It directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allocate radio frequency spectrum for commercial space launch and reentry communications, replacing the prior system of case-by-case temporary authorisations.[1][2]
The bill passed the United States Senate by unanimous consent and the United States House of Representatives by voice vote.[2]
Background
Before the act, commercial launch operators relied on special temporary authority (STA) licences issued by the FCC for each mission, creating uncertainty for operators with increasing launch frequency.[3]
The FCC had previously made limited spectrum available in the 2200–2290 MHz band in 2021. The LCA required additional allocations and the establishment of a permanent licensing framework.[3][4]
Provisions
The act directs the FCC to allocate spectrum in the 2025–2110 MHz, 2200–2290 MHz, and 2360–2395 MHz bands for commercial launch and reentry use, and to establish service rules and licensing procedures.[4][3]
Implementation
In December 2024, the FCC adopted rules allocating the 2360–2395 MHz band for non-federal launch operations and incorporating it into its licensing framework.[2][3] The rules provide non-exclusive licences for commercial operators and replace the requirement to obtain temporary authorisation for each launch.[4]
The FCC stated that the framework is intended to support commercial launch activity while protecting incumbent users, including aeronautical mobile telemetry operators coordinated by the Aerospace & Flight Test Radio Coordinating Council.[3][2]
References
- ↑ "H.R.682 – Launch Communications Act". Congress.gov. Retrieved March 2026.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - 1 2 3 4 Foust, Jeff (January 1, 2025). "FCC allocates additional spectrum for commercial launches". SpaceNews. Retrieved March 2026.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - 1 2 3 4 5 "Allocation of Spectrum for Non-Federal Space Launch Operations". Federal Register. March 7, 2025. Retrieved March 2026.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - 1 2 3 "FCC Allocates New Spectrum for Commercial Space Launches". Inside Global Tech. January 8, 2025. Retrieved March 2026.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help)
