SIA Applauds FCC Streamlining of SmallSAT Regulations

Washington, D.C., Aug 1, 2019 – The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) today commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on today’s action to streamline the SmallSAT application processes that will make it easier and cheaper to license small satellites.

The FCC action allows for a new, optional SmallSAT process to be used by satellites with certain characteristics, such as having a short on-orbit lifetime, a maximum wet mass of 180 kilograms, and having a mission profile designed to produce a low risk of orbital debris and spectrum interference.  There will also be a new application fee category for small satellite applicants seeking a U.S. license or access to the U.S. market, and the adoption of a new small satellite regulatory fee category.

“SIA applauds FCC Chairman Pai and the FCC Commissioners for streamlining the licensing of small satellites and for their continued recognition of the significant leaps of innovation now happening in this fast growing sector of the commercial satellite industry,” said Tom Stroup, President of SIA.  “We truly are seeing a revolution in the satellite industry and today’s action by the FCC can only serve and encourage continued investment in the small satellite communications, imaging and remote sensing markets while helping ensure continued American innovation and leadership in the overall commercial satellite industry.”

For a copy of today’s FCC press release, please see the following link.

https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-streamlines-application-process-small-satellites

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: AT&T Services, Inc.; The Boeing Company; EchoStar Corporation; Intelsat S.A.; Iridium Communications Inc.; Kratos Defense & Security Solutions; Ligado Networks; Lockheed Martin Corporation; ; SES Americom, Inc.; Space Exploration Technologies Corp.; Spire Global Inc.; and Viasat, Inc.

SIA Associate Members include: ABS US Corp.;  Airbus Defense and Space, Inc.; Analytical Graphics, Inc.; Artel, LLC; Blue Origin; Eutelsat America Corp.; ExoAnalytic Solutions; Globalstar, Inc.; Glowlink Communications Technology, Inc.; HawkEye 360; Hughes; Inmarsat, Inc.; Kymeta Corporation; Leonardo DRS; Omnispace; Panasonic Avionics Corporation; Peraton; Planet; Speedcast Government; SSL; Telesat Canada; and XTAR, LLC.

SIA Affiliate Members include: The Aerospace Corporation; AQYR Technologies; COMSAT; Comtech EF Data; Envistacom, LLC; Integrasys LLC, Kencast; NB+C; Newtec; ; Radeus Labs, Inc.; RUAG Space; Sheppard Mullin; and Wiley Rein LLP