The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on multiple proposals to make more spectrum available for the command and control of “weird space stuff” in emergent commercial space operations. The FCC proposes to codify the use of frequency “piggybacking” to allow spacecraft in close proximity to each other to use spectrum for Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) functions, expand the use of standalone TT&C in existing FSS allocations, broaden its own definition of “TT&C” under the rules, and authorize new spectrum bands for the Space Operation Service (SOS). The FCC claims that expanding spectrum availability for TT&C operations will not only enhance operations for traditional communications spacecraft, but will also make it easier for “emergent” operations such as in-space servicing and refueling, data centers, manufacturing, and more.
