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FCC votes to adopt new licensing process for satellites - Aerospace America

Published

22 July 2026

Topic

regulatory

Sectors

Space Tech

Geography

United States

Source

Read at aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org

Verified

Fusion42 · 22 July 2026 · Fusion42 review

The FCC unanimously voted to overhaul its satellite licensing process, replacing decades-old Part 25 regulations with a new Part 100 framework that permits batch processing of constellation applications, modular certification of standard parts, and new Variable Trajectory licenses for multi-orbit spacecraft. The order bypasses lengthy individual approvals and reduces regulatory friction for satellite operators, though House space committee leaders contend it exceeds FCC statutory authority and usurps responsibilities assigned to the Department of Transportation and Commerce.

This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Space Tech. Wire is Fusion42's founder-focused intelligence feed: each story is connected to the funds and startups it names — every one with a live profile on Raise or Scout — so founders can follow the capital and the momentum behind the headline rather than just the headline itself. Wire analysis is one of the live surfaces Arthur reasons over.

The Wire takeaway

If you're building satellites or constellations, you no longer need separate licenses for each spacecraft—batch processing and modular certification just became law. Move fast on your FCC filing before House pushback triggers legislative reversal.

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Topics

Space Tech · fcc-licensing · satellite-constellation · regulatory-streamline · space-operations · orbital-debris-mitigation