On March 31, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at expanding spectrum access for what it categorizes as emergent space operations.
The proceeding, titled “Spectrum Abundance for Weird Space Stuff,” focuses on spacecraft and other commercial space operations that require spectrum for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) but may not fit neatly within existing radiocommunication service categories. As Chairman Carr noted in his statement on the NPRM, “America’s space companies, even the weird ones, need plentiful access to spectrum.” Comments will be due 30 days after the NPRM is published in the Federal Register with Reply Comments due 60 days after publication.
This regulatory move targets the growing sector of non-traditional missions, including In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM), commercial lunar expeditions, and private orbital laboratories. The initiative seeks to address a critical shortage of available frequencies for essential telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) functions that currently limit the operational scale of commercial space entities.
The proposed rules are designed to move away from the current ad-hoc system of special temporary authorizations, which often create uncertainty for mission planners and investors. By codifying more permanent access to specific frequency bands, the FCC intends to provide a stable regulatory environment for a new generation of space-based businesses. The proceeding specifically highlights the need for reliable communication links as missions move beyond traditional Earth orbits into cislunar space and the lunar surface.
Unlocking New Frequencies and Standardizing Access
A primary component of the proposal is the potential unlocking of non-federal spectrum bands that have historically been reserved for terrestrial services. Specifically, the FCC is seeking comment on allowing space-to-ground transmissions in the 2320-2345 MHz band, which is currently utilized by Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services. The agency is also exploring ways to allow commercial operators to more easily share spectrum with federal users, provided that strict interference mitigation protocols are in place.
Another significant change involves the formalization of piggybacking arrangements. This would allow smaller, secondary payloads—such as orbital transfer vehicles or hosted experimental sensors—to utilize the primary satellite’s authorized spectrum for their own command and control functions. Currently, these arrangements are often legally complex and require individual waivers; the new rules would streamline this process to support the trend of multi-payload rideshare missions.
Impact on Business Models and Mission Security
The shift toward a spectrum abundance model is expected to significantly impact the business models of commercial space startups. For companies involved in satellite life-extension or active debris removal, the ability to secure long-term spectrum rights is essential for obtaining insurance and project financing. Without guaranteed communication windows, the risk of losing control of a spacecraft during a critical docking or refueling maneuver is often considered too high for traditional commercial underwriting.
The FCC is also addressing the unique challenges of lunar communications. As part of the NPRM, the commission is looking at how to allocate spectrum for lunar-based relay stations that will be necessary to maintain constant contact with Earth-side ground stations. This infrastructure is a cornerstone of the planned lunar economy, enabling everything from autonomous resource prospecting to high-definition video feeds for public engagement.
Strategic Context and Global Competition
This domestic regulatory push occurs within a broader geopolitical context where international spectrum rights are becoming a contested resource. By moving quickly to define and protect these emergent space operations within its own borders, the United States is positioning its commercial sector to lead in the establishment of international norms at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The goal is to ensure that American companies have the bandwidth required to compete in the burgeoning trillion-dollar space economy.
The public comment period for this proposal will remain open throughout the second quarter of 2026. Industry stakeholders are expected to provide detailed input on how to balance the needs of these new space actors with existing terrestrial and satellite services to prevent harmful interference.
