Title 47—Telecommunication--Volume 1
PART 26—SPACE LAUNCH SERVICES
§ 26.1   Basis and purpose.
This section contains the statutory basis for the rules in this part and provides the purpose for which this part is issued.
(a) Basis. The rules for Space Launch Services in this part are promulgated under the provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, that vest authority in the Federal Communications Commission to regulate radio transmission and to issue licenses for radio stations, and the Launch Communications Act, Public Law 118-85, 138 Stat. 1546 (2024). All rules in this part are in accordance with applicable treaties and agreements to which the United States is a party.
(b) Purpose. This part states the conditions under which spectrum is made available and licensed for the provision of Space Launch Services. This part does not govern the licensing of radio systems belonging to and operated by the United States.
§ 26.2   Frequencies.
The following frequencies are available for assignment on a nationwide, non-exclusive basis for Space Launch Services:
(a) 2025-2110 MHz;
(b) 2200-2290 MHz; and
(c) 2360-2395 MHz.
§ 26.3   Scope of service.
(a) Space launch stations are restricted to the following uses:
(1) 2025-2110 MHz band. The use of Space Launch Services licenses in the 2025-2110 MHz band is restricted to ground-to-launch vehicle telecommand uses necessary to support space launch operations.
(2) 2200-2290 MHz band. The use of Space Launch Services licenses in the 2200-2290 MHz band is restricted to launch vehicle-to-ground communications associated with telemetry and tracking operations.
(3) 2360-2395 MHz band. The use of Space Launch Services licenses in the 2360-2395 MHz band is restricted to ground-to-launch vehicle and launch vehicle-to-ground communications associated with telemetry and telecommand uses necessary to support space launch operations.
(b) Telemetry, tracking, and telecommand functions permissible as space launch operations, subject to the restrictions in paragraph (a) of this section, include, but are not limited to:
(1) Pre-launch testing, such as pre-flight checks, ground testing, and telemetry;
(2) Vehicle tracking, including the transmission of parameter data from a launch vehicle to ground;
(3) Telecommand signals for propulsive maneuvering of a launch vehicle and separation of payload from launch vehicle; and
(4) Telecommand signals for propulsive maneuvering of a reentry vehicle for return and recovery.
(c) The use of Space Launch Services licenses for on-orbit communications after a launch vehicle separates from its payload are not permitted, provided that a space launch station may be used for telemetry, tracking, and telecommand activities for the incidental orbiting of a launch vehicle before or after it has separated from its payload. The use of Space Launch Services licenses for such incidental orbiting are permitted only to the extent necessary for space launch operations.
§ 26.4   Other applicable rule parts.
Other FCC rule parts applicable to the Space Launch Services include the following:
(a) Part 0. Part 0 of this chapter describes the Commission's organization and delegations of authority. Part 0 also lists available Commission publications, standards, and procedures for access to Commission records, and location of Commission Field Offices.
(b) Part 1. Part 1 of this chapter includes rules of practice and procedure for license applications, adjudicatory proceedings, procedures for reconsideration and review of the Commission's actions; provisions concerning violation notices and forfeiture proceedings; competitive bidding procedures; and the environmental requirements that, together with the procedures specified in § 17.4(c) of this chapter, if applicable, must be complied with prior to the initiation of construction. Subpart F of part 1 includes the rules for the Wireless Radio Services and the procedures for filing electronically via the Universal Licensing System (ULS).
(c) Part 2. Part 2 of this chapter contains the Table of Frequency Allocations and special requirements in international regulations, recommendations, agreements, and treaties. Part 2 also contains standards and procedures concerning the marketing and importation of radio frequency devices, and for obtaining equipment authorization.
(d) Part 5. Part 5 of this chapter contains rules prescribing the manner in which parts of the radio frequency spectrum may be made available for experimentation.
(e) Part 15. Part 15 of this chapter sets forth the requirements and conditions applicable to certain radio frequency devices.
(f) Part 17. Part 17 of this chapter contains requirements for the construction, marking and lighting of antenna towers, and the environmental notification process that must be completed before filing certain antenna structure registration applications.
(g) Part 25. Part 25 of this chapter contains the requirements for satellite communications, including satellite digital audio radio service (DARS).
(h) Part 74. Part 74 of this chapter sets forth the requirements and conditions applicable to experimental radio, auxiliary, special broadcast, and other program distributional services.
(i) Part 87. Part 87 of this chapter sets forth the requirements and conditions applicable to aviation services.
§ 26.5   Terms and definitions.
Base station. A station at a specified site authorized to communicate with mobile stations.
Equivalent isotropically radiated power ( EIRP ). The product of the power supplied to the antenna and the antenna gain in a given direction relative to an isotropic antenna (absolute or isotropic gain).
Expendable launch vehicle. A launch vehicle whose propulsive stages are used only once.
First stage of a launch. The first 15 minutes of flight.
Fixed service. A radio communication service between specified fixed points.
Fixed station. A station in the fixed service.
Frequency coordination. The process of obtaining the recommendation of a frequency coordinator for a frequency(ies) that will most effectively meet the applicant's needs while minimizing interference to licensees already operating within a given frequency band.
Frequency coordinator. An entity or organization that has been certified by the Commission to recommend frequencies for use by licensees in the Space Launch Services.
Harmful interference. For the purposes of resolving conflicts between stations operating under this part, any emission, radiation, or induction which specifically degrades, obstructs, or interrupts the service provided by such stations.
Itinerant operation. Operation of a radio station at unspecified locations for varying periods of time.
Launch vehicle. A vehicle built to place a payload or human beings from Earth in a suborbital trajectory, in Earth orbit, or otherwise in outer space.
Mobile service. A radio communication service between mobile and land stations, or between mobile stations.
Mobile station. A station in the mobile service intended to be used while in motion or during halts at unspecified points.
Reentry vehicle. A vehicle designed to return from Earth orbit or outer space to Earth substantially intact. A reentry vehicle is regarded as a launch vehicle in the context of a space launch operation only to the extent that it is being used for launch purposes.
Reusable launch vehicle. A launch vehicle that is designed to return to Earth substantially intact and may be launched more than one time or that contains vehicle stages that may be recovered by a launch operator for future use.
Space launch operations. Any activity that places a launch vehicle, whether an expendable launch vehicle or a reusable launch vehicle or reentry vehicle used for launch, and any payload or human being from Earth in a suborbital trajectory, in Earth orbit, or otherwise in outer space, including pre-launch testing and recovery or reentry of the launch vehicle.
Telecommand. The transmission of non-voice signals for the purpose of remotely controlling a device.
Telemetry. The transmission of non-voice signals for the purpose of automatically indicating or recording measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument. In the context of space launch operations, telemetry is diagnostic information, transmitted from the launch vehicle to ground controller stations during the flight, which allows the ground controller station to track the performance of the launch vehicle.
Universal Licensing System ( ULS ). The consolidated database, application filing system, and processing system for all Wireless Telecommunications Services. The ULS offers Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) applicants and the general public electronic filing of all applications requests, and full public access to all WTB licensing data.
§ 26.101   Eligibility.
The following entities are eligible for Space Launch Services licenses:
(a) A non-Federal entity that conducts space launch operations; or
(b) A parent of such entity or a subsidiary of such entity if either conducts space launch operations.
§ 26.102   License period; renewal.
Licenses for stations in the Space Launch Services will be issued for a term of ten years from the date of original issuance, or renewal. Prior to expiration of the term of a license, the space launch licensee shall submit to the Commission an application for the renewal in accordance with part 1, subpart F, of this chapter. Such renewal application shall certify that, during the preceding license term, the licensee operated and continues to operate consistent with Commission rules in this chapter and the terms of its existing authorization, including the operation of stations consistent with the terms of frequency coordination performed during its license term.
§ 26.103   Licensing.
The 2025-2110 MHz, 2200-2290 MHz, and 2360-2395 MHz bands are authorized on a non-exclusive nationwide basis for Space Launch Services. Non-exclusive nationwide licenses will serve as a prerequisite for registering launch sites and individual fixed, base, itinerant and mobile stations, as well as individual coordinated launches. A Space Launch Services licensee cannot operate a launch site and corresponding fixed, base, itinerant or mobile stations before registering it under its license and may only operate a station after that station has been cleared to operate in a particular frequency band in connection with a particular launch pursuant to the post-grant frequency coordination process set forth in Subpart C of this part. Space Launch Services licensees must delete registrations for unused launch sites and unused fixed, base, itinerant and mobile stations to maintain database integrity and facilitate coordination with other users of the 2025-2110 MHz, 2200-2290 MHz, and 2360-2395 MHz bands.
§ 26.104   Regulatory status.
Licensees are permitted to provide services on a non-common carrier basis. A licensee may render communications services consistent with the regulatory status in its license and with the Commission's rules in this chapter applicable to the Space Launch Services.
§ 26.105   Authorization required.
(a) General rule. Stations in the Space Launch Services must be used and operated only in accordance with the service rules set forth in this part, including the terms of the frequency coordination performed pursuant to subpart C of this part, and with a valid authorization granted by the Commission under the provisions of this part, except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) Restrictions. The holding of an authorization does not create any rights beyond the terms, conditions, and period specified in the authorization. Authorizations may be granted upon proper application, provided that the Commission finds that the applicant is qualified in regard to citizenship, character, financial, technical, and other criteria, and that the public interest, convenience, and necessity will be served. See 47 U.S.C. 301, 308, 309, and 310.
§ 26.106   [Reserved]
§ 26.107   Restrictions on the operation of stations.
Stations in the Space Launch Services may operate in a particular frequency band only if they have been registered pursuant to this subpart and cleared to operate in that frequency band by the space launch frequency coordinator using the frequency coordination process set forth in subpart C of this part.
§ 26.108   [Reserved]
§ 26.109   Assignment and transfer.
Licensees may assign or transfer their non-exclusive nationwide licenses upon application to and prior approval from the Commission, and any stations registered under those licenses will remain associated with those licenses unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties to the assignment or transfer and approved by the Commission.
§ 26.201   Policies governing the assignment of frequencies.
(a) Frequencies assigned to Space Launch Services stations are available on a shared basis only and will not be assigned for the exclusive use of any licensee.
(b) Any base, fixed, itinerant, or mobile station operating in the band must comply with the frequency coordination requirements set forth in this subpart.
(c) All applicants and licensees shall cooperate in the selection and use of frequencies for Space Launch Services and comply with the frequency coordination requirements in this subpart in order to minimize the potential for interference and make the most effective use of the authorized facilities. Information regarding registered launch sites, stations, and launches that have completed the frequency coordination process set forth in this subpart will be available at https://wireless.fcc.gov/uls. Licensees should examine this information before registering individual launch operations, and make every effort to ensure that their planned launch operations will not interfere or conflict with previously registered operations. Licensees of stations suffering or causing harmful interference are expected to cooperate and resolve this problem by mutually satisfactory arrangements.
§ 26.202   xxx
§ 26.301   [Reserved]
§ 26.302   Emission masks.
(a) 2025-2110 MHz. For frequencies offset from the assigned frequency less than the 50 percent of the necessary bandwidth, no attenuation is required. At a frequency offset equal to 50 percent of the necessary bandwidth, an attenuation of at least 8 dB is required. Frequencies offset more than 50 percent of the necessary bandwidth shall be attenuated by the following mask:
The unwanted emission mask rolls off at 40 dB per decade to a maximum attenuation of 60 dBsd, at which point it continues on both sides of the carrier for all frequencies beyond this point; see Annex M of the NTIA Manual regarding measurement requirements (incorporated by reference, see § 26.305); for any narrowband or single frequency unwanted emission which is not spread by the modulation process, the required attenuation shall be at least 60 dBc, where dBc is attenuation below the mean transmit power, rather than the dBsd value determined in equation 1 to this paragraph (a).
(b) 2200-2290 MHz. (1) During the first stage of a launch, all spectral components larger than −[55 + 10xlog(P)] dBc ( i.e., larger than −25 dBm) at the transmitter output must be within the spectral mask calculated using the following equation:
(2) After the first stage of a launch, the emission mask set forth in paragraph (a) of this section shall apply.
(c) 2360-2395 MHz. (1) When using frequency modulation or digital modulation for telemetry or telecommand with an authorized bandwidth equal to or less than 1 MHz the emissions must be attenuated as follows:
(i) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth up to and including 100 percent plus 0.5 MHz, the attenuation must be at least 60 dB, when measured in a 3.0 kHz bandwidth. This signal need not be attenuated more than 25 dB below 1 milliwatt.
(ii) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth plus 0.5 MHz, the attenuation must be at least 55 + 10 log 10 pY dB when measured in a 3.0 kHz bandwidth.
(2) When using frequency modulation or digital modulation for telemetry or telecommand with an authorized bandwidth greater than 1 MHz, the emissions must be attenuated as follows:
(i) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent of the authorized bandwidth plus 0.5 MHz up to and including 50 percent of the authorized bandwidth plus 1.0 MHz, the attenuation must be 60 dB, when measured in a 3.0 kHz bandwidth. The signal need not be attenuated more than 25 dB below 1 milliwatt.
(ii) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent of the authorized bandwidth plus 1.0 MHz, the attenuation must be at least 55 + 10 log 10 pY dB, when measured in a 3.0 kHz bandwidth.
§ 26.303   Power limits.
(a) 2025-2110 MHz. The equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) transmitted in any direction towards the horizon by an earth station in the 2025-2110 MHz band of the Space Launch Services shall not (with limited exceptions) exceed the following limits:
(1) +40 dBW in any 4 kHz band for u ≤0°;
(2) +40+3 u dBW in any 4 kHz band for 0°< u ≤5°; and
(3) Where u is the angle of elevation of the horizon viewed from the center of radiation of the antenna of the earth station and measured in degrees as positive above the horizontal plane and negative below it.
(b) 2200-2290 MHz. During the first stage of a launch, the EIRP of any station in the 2200-2290 MHz band of the Space Launch Services shall not exceed 25 Watts and the transmitter output power shall not exceed 25 Watts. In addition, the power flux-density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a transmitter operating after the first stage of a launch for all conditions and for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the following limits:
(1) −154 dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz for angles of arrival less than 5° above the horizontal plane;
(2) −154 + 0.5 (δ−5) dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz for angles of arrival δ (degrees) between 5° and 25° above the horizontal plane; and
(3) −144 dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz for angles of arrival between 25° and 90° above the horizontal plane.
(c) 2360-2395 MHz. The EIRP of any station in the 2360-2395 MHz band of the Space Launch Services shall not exceed 25 Watts and the transmitter output power shall not exceed 25 Watts. Transmitter power may be increased to overcome line and duplexer losses but must not exceed 25 Watts delivered to the antenna.
§ 26.304   Antenna structures; air navigation safety.
A licensee that owns its antenna structure(s) must not allow such antenna structure(s) to become a hazard to air navigation. In general, antenna structure owners are responsible for registering antenna structures with the FCC if required by part 17 of this chapter, and for installing and maintaining any required marking and lighting. However, in the event of default of this responsibility by an antenna structure owner, the FCC permittee or licensee authorized to use an affected antenna structure will be held responsible by the FCC for ensuring that the antenna structure continues to meet the requirements of part 17. See § 17.6 of this chapter.
(a) Marking and lighting. Antenna structures must be marked, lighted and maintained in accordance with part 17 of this chapter and all applicable rules and requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (see §§ 77.5 through 77.11 of this chapter). For any construction or alteration that would exceed the requirements of § 17.7 of this chapter, licensees must notify the appropriate Regional Office of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA Form 7460-1) and file a request for antenna height clearance and obstruction marking and lighting specifications (FCC Form 854) with the FCC, WTB, 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
(b) Maintenance contracts. Antenna structure owners (or licensees and permittees, in the event of default by an antenna structure owner) may enter into contracts with other entities to monitor and carry out necessary maintenance of antenna structures. Antenna structure owners (or licensees and permittees, in the event of default by an antenna structure owner) that make such contractual arrangements continue to be responsible for the maintenance of antenna structures in regard to air navigation safety.
§ 26.305   Incorporation by reference.
Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subpart with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the FCC at the address indicated in § 0.401(a) of this chapter; phone: (202) 418-0270; email: oetinfo@fcc.gov. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. The material may be obtained from National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Office of Spectrum Management, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 1087, Washington, DC 20230; phone (202) 482-1850; website: www.ntia.gov/office/office-spectrum-management-osm:
(a) NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management, Annex J: Guidance for Determination of Necessary Bandwidth, NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management, January 2023 Revision (of the January 2021 Edition); IBR approved for § 26.302. (Available at www.ntia.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/j_2021_edition_rev_2023.pdf. )
(b) NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management, Annex M: Measurement Methods, January 2023 Revision (of the January 2021 Edition); IBR approved for § 26.302. (Available at www.ntia.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/m_2021_edition_rev_2023.pdf. )