Soto Announces Bill to Streamline Space Launch Communications

Press Release

Today, Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL-09) announced the introduction of H.R. 8288, the Leveraging American Understanding of Next-Generation Challenges Exploring Space (LAUNCHES) Act, a bill that will eliminate unnecessary barriers that hamper the ability of private companies to obtain spectrum licenses required to launch rockets from the United States including locally at Cape Canaveral. The announcement was made on the 64th anniversary of NASA's creation.

"Space exploration has long been an integral part of our national goal to advance humanity, science, and innovation. However, the extent to which regulations and restrictions have been imposed on the rocket launching process only delays those who seek to make progress on this frontier. The LAUNCHES Act is critical in enabling future developments and maintaining global competitiveness in the space sector. Curiosity is a part of the American spirit, and it is past time we modernize the launch process in a way that's beneficial to both the federal government and private companies," said Congressman Soto.

"The United States--led by activity in Florida--will see a record number of commercial space launches this year, supporting everything from astronaut transportation, international payloads, to nationwide broadband expansion. As the industry takes off, we need to ensure our regulatory system is capable of supporting this rapid growth, and the LAUNCHES Act provides important guidance to modernize the launch spectrum licensing process," said President and CEO of Space Florida Frank DiBello.

"The Commercial Spaceflight Federation applauds Reps. Soto and Dunn for reintroducing the Leveraging American Understanding of Next-generation Challenges Exploring Space (LAUNCHES) Act. This legislation modernizes federal launch spectrum licensing regulations, reduces unnecessary red tape in the licensing process, and encourages the further growth and competitiveness of the U.S. commercial space industry while protecting the government and federal spectrum users," said President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation Karina Drees.

Currently, all commercial missions launching from the U.S. to space utilize a government-owned spectrum to communicate with the rockets during the 10 minutes it takes to get to orbit. Ahead of a launch, private companies must apply to the Federal Communications Commission to receive special temporary authority to use this spectrum. In a tedious and inefficient process, the FCC coordinates each separate STA license with multiple federal agencies that could conceivably be using the spectrum at the same time. This process has become highly burdensome to both the government and commercial users applying for use of this spectrum.

The LAUNCHES Act aims to streamline the bureaucratic elements of the rocket launching process, making it easier for private companies to obtain authorization and temporary use of the necessary spectrums. The legislation:

Requires the FCC to streamline the launch authorization process for commercial launches, which would eliminate the STA process, permit multi-launch authorizations, and automate the frequency review process.
Is consistent with Space Policy Directive-2, issued by the president in May of 2018, to streamline federal spectrum regulations and minimize regulatory burdens.
After the LAUNCHES Act was introduced in the 116th Congress, the FCC was prompt and issued a rule on a limited subset of frequencies to streamline launch spectrum licensing. This was a positive step for the commercial space spectrum, but even the FCC recognized that more ground needed to be covered to encourage commercial space launch activities. The FCC subsequently announced an effort to expand to a broader set of frequencies through new rulemaking. The reintroduction of the LAUNCHES Act would reaffirm this effort.

In addition to the introduction of the LAUNCHES Act, Congressman Soto recently included the following space-related amendments in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2023:

Expanding Locations for Space National Guard Amendment (Soto/Posey) -- Adds areas with "significant space launch or mission control facilities" to be included as locations where Space National Guard are established.
Supporting Expansion of Commercial Space Activity Amendment (Soto/Posey) -- Adds language to the Sense of Congress on the Range of the Future and Support to Commercial Space Launch Activity that states that it is critical to the Nation's national security and economic vitality that we continue to encourage and enable the expansion of commercial space launch activity.

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