U.S. Chamber: FCC Should Consider ISAM Spectrum Needs

The FCC should continue applying orbital debris rules to all space operators until Congress creates a framework that addresses mission authorization for in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) missions, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In a docket 22-271 filing posted Tuesday, it said Congress also could preclude FCC debris oversight by further clarifying rules and responsibilities for orbital debris oversight. The Chamber urged the FCC to schedule a future rulemaking to look at long-term spectrum needs for ISAM operations. It argued that the FCC should license ISAM missions under an "activity based" licensing framework, with a single license covering ISAM activities within the scope of the license and within the same orbital regime, instead of a "case by case" licensing framework.