104502 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 246 / Monday, December 23, 2024 / Proposed Rules 

must demonstrate. After reviewing the 

record developed in response to this 

Public Notice, the Bureau will issue 

subsequent public notice(s) announcing 

the mechanism and criteria for selection 

of the frequency coordinator, as well as 

a filing window for applications to serve 

as space launch frequency coordinator. 

The Bureau proposes that the applicant 

selected from this process to serve as 

space launch frequency coordinator will 

be required to execute a Memorandum 

of Understanding with the Commission, 

formally memorializing its duties and 

obligations. 

A. Mechanism for Selection of the Space 

Launch Frequency Coordinator 

First, we propose to rely on a 

mechanism for selecting a third-party 

frequency coordinator similar to those 

we have successfully implemented in 

other radio services where the Bureau 

was tasked with designating a single 

frequency coordinator. Following those 

prior examples, we propose to require 

interested parties to file applications 

electronically using the Commission’s 

Electronic Comment Filing System 

(ECFS) in WT Docket 24–687, that 

include the following information: 

1. A description of the entity 

requesting to be space launch frequency 

coordinator and its qualifications, 

including how it meets or will meet 

minimum qualifying criteria ultimately 

specified by the Bureau; 

2. How the applicant will prevent 

conflicts of interest; 

3. A proposed fee structure; and 

4. The length of time before the 

applicant will be able to begin duties as 

the space launch frequency coordinator. 

We seek comment on this approach, 

including on the information interested 

parties should file, and whether 

additional information should be 

required to assist the Bureau in making 

a selection. How should conflicts of 

interest be defined? How can we ensure 

that the frequency coordinator 

administers its responsibilities in a 

neutral and non-discriminatory manner? 

Should the Bureau impose any limits on 

fee structures, including whether fees 

can be charged on a per application 

basis, or adopt any deadline by which 

an applicant must be able to begin its 

duties as the space launch frequency 

coordinator? How should applicants 

demonstrate an ability to complete 

frequency coordination using an NTIA 

automated process, one of the minimum 

qualifying criteria proposed below, such 

that the Commission can fulfill its 

statutory obligation to increase 

automation in NTIA coordination 

similar to the automation in the 70/80/ 

90 GHz service rules? 

B. Minimum Qualifying Criteria 

Next, we propose minimum 

qualifying criteria for entities interested 

in being designated as the space launch 

frequency coordinator. Interested parties 

would be required to demonstrate in 

their applications the extent to which 

they meet the following qualifications: 

1. Ability to implement a mechanism 

to receive technical data from licensees 

and maintain a database of transmitter 

locations and operational parameters; 

2. Knowledge of or experience with 

wireless telemetry; 

3. Knowledge of or experience with 

space launch and aerospace 

transmissions; 

4. Technical expertise in analyzing 

and avoiding interference between 

licensees/operators in various frequency 

bands; 

5. Knowledge of frequency 

coordination processes; 

6. Willingness and capability to 

complete coordination using machineto-machine interface with any NTIA 

automated coordination process, and 

the ability to promptly notify the 

licensee of the response from the 

automated coordination process; 

7. Ability to address requests for 

operation at launch sites that potentially 

could be located anywhere in the 

United States and its territories; and 

8. Experience analyzing and 

interpreting FCC rules and policies. 

The Bureau seeks comment on the 

above proposals and any alternatives to 

the proposed selection mechanism and 

minimum qualifying criteria. 

Federal Communications Commission. 

Amy Brett, 

Acting Chief of Staff, Wireless 

Telecommunications Bureau. 

[FR Doc. 2024–30244 Filed 12–20–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6712–01–P 

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS 

COMMISSION 

47 CFR Part 26 

[ET Docket No. 13–115; DA 24–1232; RIN 

3060–AL44; FRS 268468] 

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau 

Seeks Comment on Licensing and 

Coordination Procedures for the Space 

Launch Service 

AGENCY: Federal Communications 

Commission. 

ACTION: Notification. 

SUMMARY: In this Public Notice, the 

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau 

(Bureau) makes proposals and seeks 

comment on issues related to the 

Federal Communications Commission’s 

(Commission) Space Launch Service. In 

particular, it proposes licensing and 

frequency coordination procedures and 

data requirements for Space Launch 

Service licensees seeking Commission 

authorization to perform non-Federal 

space launch operations in the 2025– 

2110 MHz, 2200–2290 MHz, and 2360– 

2395 MHz bands. Filers responding to 

this Public Notice should submit 

comments in ET Docket No. 13–115. 

DATES: Interested parties may file 

comments on or before January 22, 

2025. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, 

identified by ET Docket No. 13–115, by 

any of the following methods: 

• Comments may be filed using the 

Commission’s Electronic Comment 

Filing System (ECFS). 

• Electronic Filers: Comments may be 

filed electronically using the internet by 

accessing ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/ 

ecfs/. 

• Paper Filers: Parties who choose to 

file by paper must file an original and 

one copy of each filing. 

Æ Filings can be sent by hand or 

messenger delivery, by commercial 

overnight courier, or by First-Class or 

overnight U.S. Postal Service mail. All 

filings must be addressed to the 

Commission’s Secretary, Office of the 

Secretary, Federal Communications 

Commission. 

Æ All hand-delivered or messengerdelivered paper filings for the 

Commission’s Secretary are accepted 

between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 9050 

Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 

20701. All hand deliveries must be held 

together with rubber bands or fasteners. 

Any envelopes and boxes must be 

disposed of before entering the building. 

Æ Commercial overnight deliveries 

(other than U.S. Postal Service Express 

Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 

9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis 

Junction, MD 20701. 

U.S. Postal Service First-Class, 

Express, and Priority mail must be 

addressed to Secretary, Federal 

Communications Commission, 45 L St. 

NE, Washington, DC 20554. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Mark DeSantis, Wireless 

Telecommunications Bureau, Mobility 

Division, (202) 418–0678 or 

mark.desantis@fcc.gov. For information 

regarding the PRA information 

collection requirements, contact Cathy 

Williams, Office of Managing Director, 

at 202–418–2918 or Cathy.Williams@

fcc.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a 

summary of the WTB Public Notice, ET 


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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 246 / Monday, December 23, 2024 / Proposed Rules 104503 

Docket No. 13–115; DA 24–1232, 

released on December 6, 2024. The 

released, formatted version of this 

document is available at https://

docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24- 

1232A1.pdf. Text and Microsoft Word 

formats are also available (replace 

‘‘.pdf’’ in the link with ‘‘.txt’’ or ‘‘.docx’’, 

respectively. Alternative formats are 

available for people with disabilities 

(braille, large print, electronic files, 

audio format), by sending an email to 

fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Commission’s 

Consumer and Governmental Affairs 

Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), (202) 

418–0432 (TTY). 

Providing Accountability Through 

Transparency Act 

Consistent with the Providing 

Accountability Through Transparency 

Act, Public Law 118–9, a summary of 

this Public Notice will be available on 

https://www.fcc.gov/proposedrulemakings. 

Ex Parte Rules 

The proceeding this document 

initiates shall be treated as a ‘‘permitbut-disclose’’ proceeding in accordance 

with the Commission’s ex parte rules. 

Persons making ex parte presentations 

must file a copy of any written 

presentation or a memorandum 

summarizing any oral presentation 

within two business days after the 

presentation (unless a different deadline 

applicable to the Sunshine period 

applies). Persons making oral ex parte 

presentations are reminded that 

memoranda summarizing the 

presentation must (1) list all persons 

attending or otherwise participating in 

the meeting at which the ex parte 

presentation was made; and (2) 

summarize all data presented and 

arguments made during the 

presentation. If the presentation 

consisted in whole or in part of the 

presentation of data or arguments 

already reflected in the presenter’s 

written comments, memoranda, or other 

filings in the proceeding, the presenter 

may provide citations to such data or 

arguments in his or her prior comments, 

memoranda, or other filings (specifying 

the relevant page and/or paragraph 

numbers where such data or arguments 

can be found) in lieu of summarizing 

them in the memorandum. Documents 

shown or given to Commission staff 

during ex parte meetings are deemed to 

be written ex parte presentations and 

must be filed consistent with § 1.1206(b) 

of the Commission’s rules. In 

proceedings governed by § 1.49(f) of the 

rules or for which the Commission has 

made available a method of electronic 

filing, written ex parte presentations 

and memoranda summarizing oral ex 

parte presentations, and all attachments 

thereto, must be filed through the 

electronic comment filing system 

available for that proceeding, and must 

be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc, 

.xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants 

in this proceeding should familiarize 

themselves with the Commission’s ex 

parte rules. 

Supplemental Initial Regulatory 

Flexibility Analysis 

The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 

1980, as amended (RFA), requires that 

an agency prepare a regulatory 

flexibility analysis for notice and 

comment rulemakings, unless the 

agency certifies that the rule will not, if 

promulgated, have a significant 

economic impact on a substantial 

number of small entities.’’ If an agency 

files a certification with a rulemaking, 

the certification must contain a 

statement that provides a factual basis 

for its conclusion that there will not be 

significant economic impact on a 

substantial number of small entities. 

Accordingly, the Commission has 

prepared an Initial Regulatory 

Flexibility Certification (IRFC) certifying 

that any rules subject to the RFA that 

may be contained in this Public Notice 

will not have a significant economic 

impact on a substantial number of small 

entities. 

Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis 

This Public Notice may contain 

proposed modified information 

collection requirements. The 

Commission, as part of its continuing 

effort to reduce paperwork burdens, 

invites the general public and the Office 

of Management and Budget to comment 

on the information collection 

requirements contained in this Public 

Notice, as required by the Paperwork 

Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104– 

13. In addition, pursuant to the Small 

Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, 

Public Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C. 

3506(c)(4), we seek specific comment on 

how we might further reduce the 

information collection burden for small 

business concerns with fewer than 25 

employees. 

Synopsis 

By this Public Notice, as directed by 

the Commission in the Second Report 

and Order in this proceeding (89 FR 

63296–01, August 5, 2024), the Wireless 

Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau) 

proposes and seeks comment on certain 

licensing and coordination procedures 

for the new commercial Space Launch 

Service. As detailed below, these 

include: the technical data to be 

provided to the Commission for 

purposes of registering launch sites, 

corresponding stations, and coordinated 

launches under a non-exclusive, 

nationwide space launch license; and 

the required procedures and data 

submissions for space launch operators 

to coordinate each individual launch 

with both Federal and non-Federal users 

via a third-party frequency coordinator 

to be selected at a later date. The Bureau 

issues this Public Notice at this time as 

part of an effort to meet the statutorily 

mandated deadlines set forth in the 

Launch Communications Act. 

I. Background 

In the Second Report and Order, the 

Commission adopted a secondary 

allocation in the 2025–2110 MHz band 

for non-Federal Space Operation and, 

with respect to the 2200–2290 MHz 

band, lifted a prior restriction limiting 

such operations to four sub-bands, thus 

making the entire band available on a 

secondary basis for non-Federal Space 

Operation. These allocations are subject 

to various conditions, including being 

limited to pre-launch testing and space 

launch operations. The Commission 

also adopted a licensing framework for 

these two bands under a new part 26 

Space Launch Service. Through that 

framework, eligible space launch 

operators seeking authorization in either 

band will: (1) apply for and obtain a 

non-exclusive nationwide license via 

the Commission’s Universal Licensing 

System (ULS); (2) register in ULS their 

launch sites and operational parameters, 

space launch vehicle stations, and each 

corresponding station (fixed, base, 

itinerant, or mobile) needed to support 

a launch; (3) complete a frequency 

coordination process using a third-party 

frequency coordinator; and (4) following 

successful coordination, register in ULS 

the technical and operating parameters 

associated with each specific 

coordinated launch prior to 

commencing operations. 

The Launch Communications Act. 

Following the Commission’s adoption of 

the Second Report and Order, Congress 

enacted the Launch Communications 

Act (LCA) on September 26, 2024. The 

LCA requires Commission action with 

respect to three frequency bands: the 

2025–2110 MHz and 2200–2290 MHz 

bands that were the subject of the 

Second Report and Order, and the 

2360–2395 MHz band, upon which the 

Commission sought comment in the 

Second Further Notice (89 FR 6488–01, 

February 1, 2024). The LCA first 

requires the Commission, within 90 

days of the LCA’s enactment, to allocate 

each of these bands on a secondary basis 

for commercial space launches and 


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reentries and to complete any 

proceeding in effect related to the 

adoption of service rules for these three 

bands. The Commission also must issue, 

within 180 days of the LCA’s enactment, 

new regulations to streamline the 

process for granting authorizations for 

access to these three bands. These new 

regulations must provide for, among 

other things: (1) authorizations that 

include multiple uses of the frequencies 

for multiple launches and reentries from 

one or more private and Federal launch 

and reentry sites; (2) electronic filing 

and processing of applications for 

access to such frequencies for 

commercial space launches and 

reentries; and (3) improved coordination 

with the National Telecommunications 

and Information Administration (NTIA) 

to increase the speed of review of 

applications for authorizations to access 

frequencies for space launch and reentry 

through increased automation similar to 

an approach currently used for the 70/ 

80/90 GHz bands. 

In the Second Report and Order, the 

Commission delegated authority to the 

Bureau to issue a public notice 

proposing and seeking comment on 

issues related to the licensing 

framework for the Space Launch Service 

to refine the application process and 

accommodate frequency coordination, 

including required information for 

license registrations and frequency 

coordination requests. Accordingly, 

below we propose application and 

frequency coordination procedures for 

the Space Launch Service, which at 

present includes the 2025–2110 and 

2200–2290 MHz bands, two of the three 

frequency bands identified in the LCA. 

Given the LCA’s requirement, however, 

that the Commission ‘‘complete a 

proceeding in effect’’ within 90 days of 

enactment, the Bureau anticipates that 

the Commission would benefit from 

development of a record that includes 

the issues included in this Public 

Notice. We therefore propose in this 

Public Notice procedures that would 

apply not only to the 2025–2110 MHz 

and 2200–2290 MHz bands, but also to 

the 2360–2395 MHz band, to the extent 

the Commission reallocates the 2360– 

2395 MHz band on a secondary basis for 

Space Operation and incorporates it into 

the part 26 space launch licensing 

framework. This proposed approach is 

intended to increase administrative 

efficiency and provide regulatory 

certainty for Space Launch Service 

applicants and licensees regarding 

statutorily required implementation of 

the LCA for space launch and re-entry 

operations. We clarify that the proposals 

in this Public Notice, and any final 

action taken through subsequent Bureau 

public notice(s) following review of the 

record, are subject to Commission action 

taken pursuant to the LCA’s 

requirements, including any additional 

Commission delegation of authority to 

the Bureau to clarify and establish 

procedures regarding the 2360–2395 

MHz band. 

II. Licensing Process 

A. Application for Nationwide License 

In the Second Report and Order, the 

Commission adopted rules requiring a 

space launch provider seeking 

authorization to first file an application 

in ULS for a nationwide, non-exclusive 

license. The Commission determined 

that eligible space launch operators 

interested in obtaining a nationwide, 

non-exclusive license can do so on the 

condition that they will cooperate with 

and avoid harmful interference to cofrequency entities and complete 

coordination efforts to avoid in-band 

interference. Applicant qualification for 

these non-exclusive nationwide licenses 

will be assessed in accordance with FCC 

Form 601 and the Commission’s rules. 

The grant of a nationwide license will 

serve as a prerequisite for a licensee to 

register launch sites and individual 

stations in ULS. 

For purposes of applying for this 

nationwide license, the Commission 

determined that a space launch operator 

would only need to provide 

administrative information using FCC 

Form 601. An applicant for a 

nationwide, non-exclusive license is 

required to use ULS to file FCC Form 

601 electronically. Detailed instructions 

for submitting license applications in 

ULS will be announced in a subsequent 

public notice. 

B. Launch Site and Station Registrations 

Once a space launch operator has 

obtained a nationwide, non-exclusive 

license, the next step towards 

authorizing a particular launch is for the 

licensee, prior to seeking frequency 

coordination, to electronically register 

launch sites and individual fixed, base, 

itinerant, and mobile stations associated 

with a specific launch in ULS. We 

propose that launch vehicles will be 

registered as mobile stations, but with 

additional technical details required 

beyond those required for terrestrial 

mobile stations, as outlined below. We 

seek comment below on the appropriate 

data to be required for each launch and 

station site in an initial station 

registration. 

1. Data for Initial Registration 

Pursuant to the Bureau’s delegated 

authority to seek comment on and refine 

the application process, we propose and 

seek comment on the specific data to be 

collected as part of initial registration of 

launch sites and individual stations. 

The Bureau proposes that a licensee 

would include the following data: 

1. Launch site details: 

a. Launch site name and launch 

designation (if applicable); 

b. Geographic coordinates referenced 

to NAD83 (i.e., lat/long); 

c. Address; and 

d. Whether the site is an FAAlicensed commercial site or Federal site; 

2. Itinerant and mobile station details: 

a. Description of station, including its 

overall purpose within the proposed 

launch operation and specific function 

(e.g., transmit/receive, command/ 

telemetry); 

b. Radius of operation and geographic 

coordinates of the transmit location 

referenced to NAD83; 

c. Antenna details: 

i. Frequency band; 

ii. Output power/Effective Isotropic 

Radiated Power (EIRP); 

iii. Type of antenna (e.g., directional); 

iv. Width of beam in degrees at the 

half-power point; 

v. Frequency tolerance; 

vi. Emission designator; 

vii. Emission bandwidth and 

justification for greater than 5 megahertz 

bandwidth, if applicable; 

viii. Digital modulation rate and type; 

and 

ix. Antenna gain; 

3. Launch vehicles as mobile stations: 

a. Name of launch vehicle; 

b. Geographic coordinates of the 

launch site referenced to NAD83; 

c. Location of transmitter on launch 

vehicle or payload (e.g., first stage, 

second stage); and 

d. Antenna details: 

i. Frequency band; 

ii. Output power/EIRP; 

iii. Type of antenna (e.g., blade, 

parabolic); 

iv. Width of beam in degrees at the 

half-power point; 

v. Frequency tolerance; 

vi. Emission designator; 

vii. Emission bandwidth and 

justification for greater than 5 megahertz 

bandwidth, if applicable; 

viii. Digital modulation rate and type; 

and 

ix. Antenna gain; 

4. Fixed and base station details: 

a. Description of station, including its 

overall purpose within the proposed 

launch operation and specific function 

(e.g., transmit/receive, command/ 

telemetry); 


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b. Antenna azimuth (if the antenna is 

tracking, state ‘‘tracking’’); 

c. Antenna elevation angle (if the 

antenna is tracking, state ‘‘tracking’’); 

d. Height above ground level to the 

highest point of the supporting structure 

only; 

e. Overall height above ground to tip 

of antenna in meters; 

f. Elevation of ground at antenna site 

above mean sea level in meters; 

g. Support structure type; 

h. Geographic coordinates of the 

transmit location referenced to NAD83 

(i.e. lat/long); and 

i. Antenna details: 

i. Frequency band; 

ii. Output power/EIRP; 

iii. Type of antenna (e.g., directional); 

iv. Width of beam in degrees at the 

half-power point; 

v. Frequency tolerance; 

vi. Emission designator; 

vii. Emission bandwidth and 

justification for greater than 5 megahertz 

bandwidth, if applicable; and 

viii. Digital modulation rate and type; 

and 

ix. Antenna gain; 

j. Address. 

We seek comment on the above 

proposed data requirements for an 

initial registration. Should additional 

information be required as part of the 

launch site and station location 

registration process? 

2. Requests for Bandwidth in Excess of 

5 Megahertz 

In the Second Report and Order, the 

Commission afforded a space launch 

licensee the flexibility to choose its own 

bandwidth, up to 5 megahertz. 

However, a licensee may exceed the 5 

megahertz bandwidth where it can 

demonstrate, on a case-by-case basis, 

why a larger bandwidth is necessary for 

the specific telemetry, tracking, and 

control space launch operation, 

including an explanation of why the 

licensee’s requirements cannot be 

satisfied using a bandwidth of 5 

megahertz or less. As required in the 

Second Report and Order, a licensee 

seeking to operate in excess of 5 

megahertz bandwidth must submit its 

justification as part of the initial 

registration in ULS for a specific launch. 

We remind licensees that the 

Commission stated it would not 

routinely grant such requests and noted 

that, given the heavy usage of these 

bands, it may be difficult to successfully 

coordinate operations involving 

requests for bandwidth greater than 5 

megahertz. 

C. Frequency Coordination 

In the Second Report and Order, the 

Commission adopted a post-license 

grant coordination regime to be 

facilitated by a third-party space launch 

frequency coordinator. The Commission 

delegated authority to the Bureau to 

develop procedures that the space 

launch frequency coordinator will use 

to ensure compliance with the 

coordination requirements for space 

launch operations. As noted, the LCA 

also requires the Commission to 

improve coordination with NTIA within 

180 days of enactment, including 

coordination to increase automation 

similar to the automation described in 

our service rules for the 70/80/90 GHz 

service, which we address herein and in 

a companion Public Notice released 

today regarding selection of a space 

launch frequency coordinator whose 

duties would include receiving all 

coordination requests and interfacing 

with an automated system to be 

developed by NTIA. 

1. Data Requirements for Frequency 

Coordination Requests 

In delegating authority to the Bureau 

to specify data collection requirements 

for the coordination process and to seek 

stakeholder input on the required data, 

the Commission stated that it 

anticipated that a licensee would 

identify: (1) the specific coordinates of 

fixed, base, and itinerant stations (e.g., 

latitude and longitude); (2) frequency 

channels; (3) launch trajectories; (4) 

launch window or planned launch date; 

and (5) any other technical and 

operational information (e.g., antenna 

characteristics, power levels, emission 

designators) needed by a third-party 

frequency coordinator to submit the 

frequency coordination request to the 

relevant non-Federal and Federal 

entities. The Commission noted that 

other information could include 

coordinates and operational parameters 

of each station (fixed, base, itinerant or 

mobile) needed to support a launch, 

including whether the sites are Federal 

or FAA-licensed commercial spaceports 

or non-Federal launch sites. The Second 

Report and Order specified that this 

data would be used by the space launch 

frequency coordinator to coordinate 

with NTIA regarding protection of 

Federal operations, as well as local 

frequency coordinators to protect nonFederal operations in the 2025–2110 

MHz band. 

The 2360–2395 MHz band is used 

primarily for aeronautical mobile 

telemetry and telecommand operations 

for aircraft and missile flight testing. 

The LCA requires the Commission to 

allocate this band on a secondary basis 

for space launch operations and to 

complete any proceeding in effect and 

adopt service rules and coordination 

procedures. Given the requirements of 

the LCA, to the extent the Commission 

reallocates the 2360–2395 MHz band on 

a secondary basis for Space Operation 

and incorporates it into the part 26 

space launch licensing framework, 

frequency coordination of non-Federal 

space launch operations will be 

necessary to protect primary flight test 

users. Under current part 87 rules, the 

frequency advisory committee is 

required to coordinate all requests 

concerning flight test frequencies with 

applicable Federal government area 

frequency coordinators (AFCs) and to 

consider all non-Federal stations 

operating within 320 kilometers (200 

miles) of the proposed area of operation. 

Further, the part 87 frequency advisory 

committee requires, at a minimum, the 

following data for coordination requests 

concerning flight test frequencies: 

launch location; reentry landing zone 

(where applicable); date(s), time(s), and 

duration(s) of launch and reentry 

window(s); trajectory (azimuth, 

heading) of the launch and, where 

applicable, expected reentry coordinates 

and the landing trajectory (from the 

reentry point) of reusable launch 

vehicles and boosters; maximum heights 

above ground level and above sea level 

for both launch and reentry activity; 

requested frequencies used for launch 

and reentry; maximum power and EIRP; 

and operational contact information. 

These data points largely overlap with 

the data we believe necessary for 

coordinating Federal operations in the 

2025–2110 and 2200–2290 MHz bands, 

and non-Federal operations in the 2025– 

2110 MHz band. Accordingly, we 

propose to incorporate these data points 

into the below data requirements for 

space launch frequency coordination 

requests and seek comment. 

We propose to require licensees to 

provide the following data to the thirdparty frequency coordinator for 

coordination requests, much of which 

will be readily available from the initial 

post-licensing registration in ULS, as 

well as additional technical information 

needed to ensure proper coordination 

for a specific launch and thereby reduce 

the potential for harmful interference: 

1. Licensee details: 

a. Name of licensee; 

b. Call sign; and 

c. Primary and alternate point of 

contact for questions (name, title, email, 

and business phone number); 

2. Previously registered launch site 

where launch will take place and 

corresponding site details; 

3. Previously registered itinerant and 

mobile stations to be used in the launch 

and corresponding details; 


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4. Previously registered fixed and base 

stations to be used in the launch and 

corresponding details; 

5. Transmitter characteristics for each 

transmit station (center frequency): 

a. Transmitter make/model; 

b. Output power; 

c. Antenna type (e.g., blade, 

parabolic); 

d. Number of antennas deployed; 

e. Antenna gain; 

f. Width of beam in degrees at halfpower point; 

g. Frequency tolerance; 

h. Orientation in horizontal/vertical 

planes (if the antenna is tracking state 

‘‘tracking’); 

i. Antenna polarization; 

j. EIRP (per individual antenna); 

k. Total EIRP (from all radiating 

sources using a specific location); and 

l. Emission designator. 

6. Emission details for each designator 

of each transmitter: 

a. Emission bandwidth; 

b. Modulating signal: 

i. Modulation type (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, 

APK, FSK, Analog); 

ii. if it is a digital signal, the final 

symbol rate in symbols/second after all 

overhead encoding or the final bit rate 

in bits/second after all overhead 

encoding; 

iii. if FSK, include the type of FSK 

and the peak-to-peak frequency 

deviation as well as the final symbol 

rate or final bit rate; and 

iv. indicate whether the signal has 

subcarriers and, if so, which ones are 

used; 

c. RF fundamental emission data 

(two-sided) including a minimum of ¥3 

dB, ¥20 dB, and ¥60 dB bandwidth 

data points; and 

d. Description of any signal filtering 

techniques employed; 

e. If bandwidth exceeds 5 megahertz, 

an explanation of why the requested 

bandwidth is necessary for specific 

space launch operations, including an 

explanation of why the applicant’s 

operations cannot be satisfied using a 

bandwidth of 5 megahertz or less; 

7. Additional launch site technical 

information: 

a. Elevation of ground at antenna site 

above mean sea level in meters; 

b. Overall height above ground to tip 

of antenna in meters; 

c. Distance to nearest aircraft landing 

area in kilometers; and 

d. Natural formations or existing manmade structures (hills, trees, water 

tanks, towers, etc.) which would tend to 

shield the antenna from aircraft. 

8. Launch details: 

a. Name of launch vehicle; 

b. Launch mission name and/or 

designator number; 

c. Launch and reentry date/time 

window (primary and backup), 

including launch window open time, 

and the duration of each window; 

d. List of objects to achieve orbit 

during launch operation; 

e. Total elapsed time from launch to 

end of transmission; 

f. Requested frequencies used for 

launch and reentry, including required 

center frequency(ies); 

g. Orbital location (orbit insertion); 

h. Mean launch azimuth (degrees, 

clockwise from the North); 

i. Ground track from lift-off until end 

of transmission; 

j. ECF Cartesian Vectors Format 

(position and velocity vs. time or 

position, velocity, and acceleration vs. 

time) in one minute time steps (at least) 

for each phase of launch through the 

end of transmission; 

k. A plot image of the twodimensional ground track of the launch 

vehicle including demarcations for 

important mission events (e.g., main 

engine cut-off (MECO), stage separation, 

payload jettison, passivation); 

l. Duration of transmission(s), to 

include on/off time (nominal and 

maximum durations) for each 

transmitter and receiving station(s) 

corresponding to the on/off times; 

m. Reentry landing zone; 

n. If applicable, expected reentry 

coordinates and the landing trajectory 

(from the reentry point) of reusable 

launch vehicles and boosters; 

o. Maximum heights above ground 

level and above sea level for both 

launch and reentry activity; and 

p. Operational contact information, 

including name, email address, and 

telephone number. 

9. Additional station details: 

a. Name and location of each relay 

satellite station supporting launch 

operation; 

b. Ground receiver sensitivity and 

selectivity; and 

c. Antenna gain to noise temperature 

ratio (G/T) for each ground station used 

for reception of launch vehicle 

telemetry. 

The data requirements proposed 

above are consistent with those required 

in the Special Temporary Authority 

(STA) process currently used to 

authorize space launch communications 

and the part 87 frequency advisory 

committee flight test coordination 

process. We seek comment on this 

proposal. Is there additional data that 

should be required for coordination 

requests submitted to the third-party 

frequency coordinator? Is any of the 

proposed data not necessary for 

anticipated launches? Do these data 

requirements provide a third-party 

space launch frequency coordinator 

with sufficient information to 

coordinate launches with the Federal 

and non-Federal users sharing the 2025– 

2110 MHz and 2200–2290 MHz bands? 

Is there additional data that should be 

required for coordinating space 

launches with AMT flight test 

operations in the 2360–2395 MHz band? 

We also note that detailed instructions 

for submitting the required information 

to the space launch frequency 

coordinator, including format, will be 

announced in the final Bureau licensing 

procedures public notice. 

2. Coordination Procedures 

In the Second Report and Order, the 

Commission required commercial space 

launch operators to undertake a twopart process for purposes of frequency 

coordination: (1) for the 2025–2110 

MHz band, a site-specific coordination 

of the operator’s stations and launch 

parameters with Broadcast Auxiliary 

Service (BAS) operations; and (2) for 

both the 2200–2290 and 2025–2110 

MHz bands, coordination on a perlaunch basis with NTIA. The 

Commission specified that the 

coordination process was to be initiated 

through the space launch frequency 

coordinator after the licensee first 

registers its sites and stations in ULS. In 

addition, given the Commission’s 

required action per the LCA regarding 

the 2360–2395 MHz band that includes 

adoption of a secondary allocation for 

space launch and reentry in this band, 

we anticipate that coordination will be 

required with primary Federal and nonFederal AMT operations, through both 

NTIA and the part 87 frequency 

advisory committee. We propose that, 

with respect to requests to conduct a 

specific launch with a bandwidth 

greater than 5 megahertz in any of the 

three bands subject to the LCA, the 

Space Launch Frequency Coordinator 

will not be required to coordinate such 

requests unless the Commission first 

indicates to the Space Launch 

Frequency Coordinator that a licensee’s 

justification provided with a registration 

for a specific launch is complete and 

provides the fulsome explanation 

required pursuant to rule § 26.301. We 

seek comment on this proposal. 

a. Non-Federal Coordination in the 

2025–2110 MHz Band 

As set forth in the Second Report and 

Order, for non-Federal coordination in 

the 2025–2110 MHz band, a space 

launch operator will first register its site 

and station information and will submit 

its coordination request to the thirdparty space launch frequency 

coordinator. The coordinator will verify 


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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 246 / Monday, December 23, 2024 / Proposed Rules 104507 

that the operator is licensed and that the 

request is consistent with the 

Commission’s rules. The coordinator 

will then contact the Society of 

Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Frequency 

Coordination Manager and the relevant 

SBE local market coordinator to initiate 

coordination for the requested launch 

site. 

Alternatively, the launch operator 

may provide a showing to the frequency 

coordinator that: (a) it has previously 

coordinated its proposed operations 

with the SBE Frequency Coordination 

Manager; (b) it has ascertained that its 

proposal will not constrain, preclude, or 

interfere with incumbents in the band, 

including BAS, Cable Television Relay 

Service (CARS) and Local Television 

Transmission Service (LTTS) licensees; 

and (c) it has demonstrated in a 

technical showing that its proposed 

operation will not create more than 0.5 

dB increase in the noise threshold of a 

receiver at a fixed or temporary fixed 

electronic news gathering receive site. 

The Commission found there is no need 

to conduct per-launch coordination 

with non-Federal users in the 2025– 

2110 MHz band if the launch operator 

can demonstrate its proposed uplink 

operations meet this protection criteria. 

We propose that the local SBE 

frequency coordinator receive 

coordination requests at least 60 days 

prior to launch to ensure adequate time 

for coordination, with a response due 

back to the coordinator 15 days 

following the local SBE frequency 

coordinator’s receipt of the request. 

Does this proposed timeframe ensure 

adequate time for completing nonFederal frequency coordination? Are 

there any circumstances in which space 

launch operators would be seeking 

clearance to conduct a launch less than 

60 days in the future? Once the 

frequency coordinator has completed 

non-Federal coordination, we propose 

that the coordinator respond to the 

licensee in writing with the results of 

the coordination, including any 

conditions, restrictions, or other 

limitations, and seek comment on this 

proposal. 

b. Non-Federal Coordination in the 

2360–2395 MHz Band 

As noted above, part 87 governs AMT 

for flight test operations and the part 87 

frequency advisory committee is 

required to coordinate requests for such 

frequencies and provide 

recommendations regarding operating 

parameters, including providing 

comment on the frequencies requested 

and the probable interference to flight 

test stations, and recommending 

frequencies resulting in the minimum 

interference. Under part 87 rules, the 

frequency advisory committee is 

required to consider all non-Federal 

stations operating on the frequencies 

requested or assigned within 320 

kilometers (200 miles) of the proposed 

area of operation and all prior 

coordinations and assignments on the 

proposed frequencies. We believe that 

part 87 procedures provide guidance for 

the space launch frequency coordinator 

in ensuring that space launch operations 

in the 2360–2395 MHz band will not 

cause harmful interference to incumbent 

flight test operations. We anticipate that 

the space launch frequency coordinator, 

in coordinating with the part 87 

frequency advisory committee, will 

consider stations within the 320 

kilometers (200 miles) metric, but we 

propose that the space launch frequency 

coordinator have the ability to expand 

that radius at its discretion if necessary 

in analyzing interference potential. 

After considering all such stations and 

coordinating with the part 87 frequency 

advisory committee, we propose that the 

space launch frequency coordinator 

would then propose necessary changes 

in technical parameters to minimize the 

risk of harmful interference to nonFederal flight test stations. To maintain 

consistency with current flight test 

coordination procedures, we propose 

that space launch licensees, following 

coordination and parameter registration 

in ULS as described below, provide prelaunch notification to both the space 

launch frequency coordinator and the 

part 87 frequency advisory committee 

96 hours in advance of the 

commencement of the registered launch 

window. We seek comment on this 

proposal, including whether this 

timeframe provides sufficient notice to 

ensure protection against interference 

for flight test operators. We clarify that 

this proposed notification requirement 

is separate from, and in addition to, the 

Commission rule § 26.202 pre-launch 

coordination requirement. 

c. Federal Coordination 

For Federal coordination in the Space 

Launch Service, coordination is 

required on a per-launch basis, to be 

initiated after the launch operator has 

registered its applicable site and station 

information in ULS. Once the thirdparty coordinator verifies that the 

operator is licensed and that the request 

is consistent with the Commission’s 

rules, it will initiate coordination with 

NTIA. To assist NTIA’s review, the 

third-party frequency coordinator may 

provide a showing that the operational 

and technical parameters of a proposed 

launch are consistent with a prior 

successful coordination and that the 

space launch licensee continues to 

comply with any conditions or 

agreements resulting from such prior 

coordination, or that its proposed 

launch is covered by an applicable 

coordination agreement with cofrequency entities. 

The LCA requires the Commission to 

improve NTIA coordination to increase 

the speed of review of space launch 

applications for authorization in the 

2025–2110 MHz, 2200–2290 MHz, and 

2360–2395 MHz bands, including 

automation similar to that required in 

the service rules for the 70/80/90 GHz 

service. Accordingly, we propose to 

require the space launch frequency 

coordinator to complete Federal 

coordination in all three LCA bands 

using the automated coordination 

mechanism to be developed by NTIA. 

This proposed requirement is reflected 

in the Bureau’s companion Public 

Notice released today regarding a 

mechanism and criteria for selecting the 

space launch frequency coordinator. 

However, until an automated 

mechanism becomes available, we 

propose an interim process for 

completing Federal coordination. For 

coordination requests in the 2025–2110 

MHz and/or 2200–2290 MHz bands, we 

propose requiring that the frequency 

coordinator submit frequency 

coordination requests at least 60 days 

prior to launch to the NTIA Office of 

Spectrum Management’s Frequency 

Assignment Branch. For coordination 

requests in the 2360–2395 MHz band, 

we propose that the space launch 

frequency coordinator submit 

coordination requests at least 60 days 

prior to launch to the applicable Area 

Frequency Coordinator (AFC) listed in 

Annex D, Table 2 of NTIA’s Manual of 

Regulations and Procedures for Federal 

Radio Frequency Management. We seek 

comment on whether the proposed 

timeframe allows for completion of 

Federal frequency coordination. We also 

recognize that some space launch 

Federal frequency coordination requests 

might combine 2360–2395 MHz with 

2025–2110 MHz and/or 2200–2290 

MHz, which could require routing to 

different destinations. We therefore seek 

comment on whether, in those 

instances, Federal coordination requests 

should be directly submitted to NTIA’s 

Office of Spectrum Management’s 

Frequency Assignment Branch within 

the same 60-day timeframe. Would such 

an approach prevent unnecessary delays 

in Federal coordination and improve 

administrative efficiencies? What are 

the costs of such an approach? Further, 

once the space launch frequency 

coordinator has completed Federal 


khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with PROPOSALS
104508 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 246 / Monday, December 23, 2024 / Proposed Rules 

1https://www.regulations.gov/document/FRA2024-0033-0002. 

2https://www.regulations.gov/document/FRA2024-0033-0004. 

3https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/ 

2024/10/29/2024-24586/federal-railroadcoordination, we propose that it 

respond to the licensee in writing with 

the results of the coordination, 

including any conditions or limitations. 

We seek comment on this proposal. 

d. Changes To Launch Parameters 

In the Second Report and Order, the 

Commission stated that any changes to 

the technical and operational 

parameters for a launch that occur after 

completion of post-grant frequency 

coordination also require coordination, 

and that these changes must be 

provided to the third-party frequency 

coordinator to initiate an updated 

coordination. We seek comment on 

procedures for licensees that seek to 

change launch parameters close in time 

to a scheduled launch date. Should we 

establish a cut-off date for licensees to 

change launch parameters that have 

previously been coordinated? What 

timeframe is appropriate, given that a 

cut-off date would need to afford 

sufficient time for re-coordination of a 

launch? Should we consider 

establishing a separate cut-off for 

changes solely related to the launch 

date/time, potentially to accommodate 

weather or technical delays, that seek no 

changes to technical parameters, and 

could therefore qualify for an 

accelerated coordination of the date/ 

time change versus requiring a new 

coordination request? In the STA 

process currently used to authorize 

spectrum for space launches, how 

frequently have space launch operators 

needed to adjust launch and technical 

parameters following coordination of a 

launch, and how much time has 

typically been required to re-coordinate 

those launches? We seek comment on 

these issues. 

D. Post-Frequency Coordination Launch 

Registrations 

In the Second Report and Order, the 

Commission adopted rules requiring 

space launch licensees to register the 

technical and operating parameters of a 

launch after it has successfully 

coordinated that launch with NTIA and 

other non-Federal users through a thirdparty frequency coordinator. The 

Commission stated that licensees would 

not have authorization to commence 

operations until after completing these 

post-coordination launch registrations. 

We propose that, once accepted in ULS, 

the parameters in the post-coordination 

launch registration reflect the binding 

operational parameters for a given 

launch, and that a licensee will be 

authorized to commence launch 

operations thereunder. We also propose 

that the licensee must update the launch 

registration in ULS, if already 

completed, to reflect any re-coordinated 

parameter changes, and that such an 

updated registration must be accepted 

in ULS to be authorized to launch under 

the revised parameters. 

For purposes of the post-coordination 

launch registration, we propose that 

licensees provide the following relevant 

data from their approved coordination 

requests: 

1. Purpose of operation; 

2. Operation start date and time; 

3. Operation end date and time; 

4. Stations to be used; 

5. Launch site to be used; 

6. Transmission characteristics 

including frequency, emission 

designator, output power and EIRP; and 

7. Response from the third-party 

frequency coordinator regarding 

outcome of coordination, including 

conditions and limitations, and a list of 

entities with which it coordinated. 

We seek comment generally on this 

proposal. We note that, in part II.C.1 of 

this Public Notice, we propose requiring 

licensees to share their launch trajectory 

for purposes of frequency coordination. 

We seek comment on whether we 

should require the launch trajectory for 

registration in ULS. Is there any other 

launch data that should be made 

publicly available in ULS? 

Federal Communications Commission. 

Amy Brett, 

Chief of Staff, Wireless Telecommunications 

Bureau. 

[FR Doc. 2024–29833 Filed 12–20–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6712–01–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Railroad Administration 

49 CFR Part 211 

[Docket No. FRA–2024–0033, Notice No. 2] 

RIN 2130–AC97 

Federal Railroad Administration’s 

Procedures for Waivers and SafetyRelated Proceedings 

AGENCY: Federal Railroad 

Administration (FRA), U.S. Department 

of Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM); extension of comment period. 

SUMMARY: On October 29, 2024, FRA 

published an NPRM proposing to 

update FRA’s procedures for waivers 

and safety-related proceedings to define 

the two components of the statutory 

waiver and suspension standard, ‘‘in the 

public interest’’ and ‘‘consistent with 

railroad safety.’’ By this notice, FRA is 

extending the NPRM’s comment period 

by 15 days. 

DATES: The comment period for the 

NPRM published on October 29, 2024, 

89 FR 85895, is extended until January 

15, 2025. 

ADDRESSES: 

Comments: Comments related to 

Docket No. FRA–2024–0033 may be 

submitted by going to 

www.regulations.gov and following the 

online instructions for submitting 

comments. 

Instructions: All submissions received 

must include the agency name and 

docket number or Regulatory 

Identification Number (RIN) for this 

rulemaking. All comments received will 

be posted without change to 

www.regulations.gov; this includes any 

personal information. Please see the 

Privacy Act heading in the 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of 

this document for Privacy Act 

information related to any submitted 

comments or materials. 

Docket: For access to the docket to 

read background documents or 

comments received, go to 

www.regulations.gov and follow the 

online instructions for accessing the 

docket. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Veronica Chittim, Senior Attorney, 

Office of the Chief Counsel, at 

veronica.chittim@dot.gov, 202–480– 

3410; or Lucinda Henriksen, Senior 

Advisor, Office of Railroad Safety, at 

lucinda.henriksen@dot.gov, 202–657– 

2842. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a 

November 13, 2024, letter, the American 

Short Line and Regional Railroad 

Association (ASLRRA) requested a 60- 

day extension of the NPRM’s comment 

period.1 ASLRRA stated it needs 

additional time to thoroughly review the 

NPRM and ‘‘consult with its member 

railroads on the feasibility of the process 

changes proposed in the NPRM for 

small businesses.’’ 

In a November 25, 2024, letter, the 

Association of American Railroads 

(AAR) petitioned for a 60-day extension 

of the NPRM’s comment period.2 AAR 

noted that it must ‘‘address four 

proposed rules at the same time while 

operating under resource constraints 

due to holiday travel schedules that 

prevent them from giving any of the four 

NPRMs the attention that they deserve.’’ 

The comment period for this NPRM is 

scheduled to close on December 30, 

2024.3 As FRA is granting an extension 


khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with PROPOSALS