In April 2023, the FCC established the Space Bureau, reorganizing the functions of the Satellite Division in the FCC’s former International Bureau (IB) into a new, stand-alone bureau, with an eye towards promoting a competitive and innovative global satellite and space-based communications marketplace.   

Yesterday, in furtherance of this objective, the Space Bureau launched its Transparency Initiative, with the goal of providing interested parties with user-friendly information and guidance regarding the Commission’s space station and earth station application and authorization procedures. The purpose of this initiative being to assist with expedited application processes for space stations and earth stations, consistent with the FCC and Bureau’s objective to “promote a competitive and innovative global telecommunications marketplace via space services.”  

The Space Bureau will host an Open House on Space Stations licensing on November 1, 2023, 10:30AM-12:00 PM, EDT at the FCC Headquarters Commission Meeting Room. Interested parties can register here.

The Space Bureau will also soon release an updated version of its electronic filing database (the International Communications Filing System, or ICFS), which will include multiple forms of guidance for users, including training videos for the ICFS application process and a helpful links page.