Satellite Industry Association Applauds Creation of FCC Space Bureau and the Office of International Affairs Following Congressional Approvals for Restructuring

Washington, D.C., April 12, 2023 – The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) today applauded the creation of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Space Bureau following the U.S. congressional committee approvals of plans by the FCC to reorganize its International Bureau. The newly created Space Bureau will promote a competitive and innovative global communications marketplace by leading policy and licensing matters related to satellite and space-based communications and activities.

The FCC announced that Julie Kearney, former FCC Special Counsel for Space Law and Policy will become the first Chief of the Space Bureau.  The Commission also announced the launch of the Office of International Affairs, which will be led by Ethan Lucarelli, former Legal Advisor for Wireless and International at the FCC. The Office of International Affairs will be responsible for the Commission’s engagement of foreign and international regulatory authorities, including multilateral and regional organizations.

“SIA applauds the congressional committee approvals for the FCC’s restructuring plans and the Commission for its creation of the new Space Bureau and Office of International Affairs,” said Tom Stroup, president of the Satellite Industry Association. “SIA strongly commends the continued leadership of Chairwoman Rosenworcel and the Commission’s recognition of the expanding importance of the commercial space industry.

Mr. Stroup added, “SIA also congratulates Space Bureau Chief Julie Kearney and Office of International Affairs Chief Ethan Lucarelli on their respective new appointments.  Both Ms. Kearney and Mr. Lucarelli have a wealth of public and commercial industry policy and regulatory expertise and we look forward to working with them, their teams, and the rest of the FCC to further support American space industry leadership and innovation.”

“We are very excited at the rapid installation of the Space Bureau and the Office of International Affairs,” said Jennifer Warren, chair of the Satellite Industry Association. “We look forward to this enhanced opportunity for promotion of US technological leadership in space.”

About The Satellite Industry Association

SIA is a U.S.-based trade association providing representation of the leading satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch services providers, and ground equipment suppliers. For more than two decades, SIA has advocated on behalf of the U.S. satellite industry on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues affecting the satellite business. For more information, visit www.sia.org.

SIA Executive Members include: Amazon; The Boeing Company; DIRECTV; EchoStar Corporation; HawkEye 360; Intelsat S.A.; Iridium Communications Inc.; Kratos Defense & Security Solutions; Ligado Networks; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Northrop Grumman; OneWeb; Planet Labs PBC; SES Americom, Inc.; Spire Global Inc.; and Viasat Inc. SIA Associate Members include: ABS US Corp.; The Aerospace Corporation; Artel, LLC; AST Space Mobile; Astranis Space Technologies Corp.; Aurora Insight; Blue Origin; Comtech; Eutelsat America Corp.; ExoAnalytic Solutions; Hughes; Inmarsat, Inc.; Kymeta Corporation; Leonardo; Lynk; Omnispace; OneWeb Technologies; Ovzon; Panasonic Avionics Corporation; Skyloom; Telesat Canada; ULA and XTAR, LLC. SIA Affiliate Members include: ARA; ATG; DLA Piper; EVONA; Genus Group; Hogan Lovells; Integrasys LLC; Kencast; Keysight Technologies, Inc.; Media Broadcast Satellite; Orange Business Services; Orbital Research; Peraton; Plexus Corp; SD Government; Sheppard Mullin; Skylo Technologies and Wiley