In 30 Seconds: President Trump’s new National Space Transportation Policy recognizes America’s ability to access, operate in and return safely from space is a critical economic and national security priority. The policy sets an ambitious goal: enabling U.S. space transportation ranges to support more than 1,000 launches and reentries each year by 2030. Achieving that goal requires the Department of Commerce and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to work with relevant agencies to ensure reliable spectrum access for commercial and Federal launch, reentry, recovery and on-orbit activities.

As CEC Sees It:

FCC Action = More Capacity To Connect Everyone

Launch and reentry operations depend on spectrum to transmit data and support safe, reliable operations. Modernizing access and coordination can give space operators the predictability needed to deploy and operate next-generation satellite systems more efficiently. The FCC is already moving to put these directives into action. On August 25, the FCC opened public comment on how the Commission can improve and expand reliable spectrum access for space launch and reentry operations to understand what changes are necessary as launch and reentry activity accelerates.

Modern Spectrum Policy = American Space Leadership And Greater Consumer Choice

The President’s memorandum makes clear the United States must maintain space transportation capabilities relevant to U.S. interests. The FCC’s inquiry is an important implementation step because the pace of commercial space activity will increasingly depend on whether spectrum rules and coordination systems can support more frequent launches, changing launch locations, reentry operations and associated recovery activities. A more efficient and reliable spectrum framework can strengthen investment in American space innovation, help preserve U.S. competitiveness in the global space economy and support a broader range of connectivity options for consumers and communities.

State of Play: The National Space Transportation Policy, issued on August 20, directs the Secretary of Commerce and the FCC Chairman to report to the President within 180 days — and every two years thereafter — on their approach to ensuring reliable spectrum access for commercial and Federal launch activities. On August 25, The FCC issued a Public Notice as an early, concrete step toward that mandate. Comments are due September 14, 2026, and reply comments are due September 24, 2026.