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 (Commission or FCC) to regulate radio transmission and to issue licenses for radio stations. 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.
The following frequencies are available for assignment on a nationwide, non-exclusive basis for Space Launch Services:
(a) 2025-2110 MHz; and
(b) 2200-2290 MHz.
(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.
(b) Telemetry, tracking, and telecommand functions permissible as space launch operations 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.
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.
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.