FCC Looks to Free Up More Spectrum for Space Launches, Reentries
A new federal space policy is pushing regulators to ensure spectrum keeps pace with a growing launch industry.
WASHINGTON, August 27, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission is asking for public input on how to make spectrum more reliably available for space launches as the Trump administration pushes to significantly expand the nation’s commercial space industry.
The FCC released a public notice Tuesday seeking comment on ways to ensure reliable access to spectrum for space launch activities, including whether changes to the agency’s rules could better support the growing number of commercial launches expected in the coming years.
The proceeding comes days after President Donald Trump issued an updated national space transportation policy directing federal agencies to remove barriers to a larger and more competitive U.S. launch industry.
The policy, released Aug. 20, sets a goal of enabling more than 1,000 launches and reentries from U.S. soil each year by 2030. It also specifically directs the Commerce Department and FCC to report on an approach within 180 days to ensure reliable access to spectrum for commercial and federal space launch, reentry, recovery and on-orbit activities.
As launch frequency increases, federal officials are looking at whether existing spectrum policies and coordination procedures can keep pace.
The FCC notice is part of a broader effort to implement the new transportation policy. The agency said the proceeding is intended to help advance the administration’s goal of strengthening U.S. space transportation capabilities.
The new policy also calls for improvements to launch infrastructure, more efficient scheduling at federal ranges and the identification of potential locations for additional launch facilities. It directs the government to integrate space launch and reentry management into air traffic control modernization efforts and designate priority airspace for critical launch corridors.
The FCC’s effort builds on a broader push to reduce regulatory barriers facing commercial space companies.
The agency began a proceeding in July aimed at rewrite satellite licensing rules to streamline commercial launch and reentry approvals. It followed an April order modernizing satellite spectrum-sharing rules to accommodate the growing number of low-Earth orbit constellations
The FCC is now seeking input from industry and other interested parties on how its spectrum rules can support the larger expansion. The public has until Sept. 14 to comment.
