§  25.122   Applications for streamlined small space station authorization.

   Link to an amendment published at  85 FR 52452 , Aug. 25, 2020.

   (a) This section shall only apply to applicants for NGSO systems that
   are able to certify compliance with the certifications set forth in
   paragraph (c) of this section. For applicants seeking to be authorized
   under this section, a comprehensive proposal for Commission evaluation
   must be submitted for each space station in the proposed system on FCC
   Form 312, Main Form and Schedule S, as described in § 25.114(a) through
   (c), together with the certifications described in paragraph (c) of
   this section and the narrative requirements described in paragraph (d)
   of this section.

   (b) Applications for NGSO systems may be filed under this section,
   provided that the total number of space stations requested in the
   application is ten or fewer.

   (1) To the extent that space stations in the satellite system will be
   technically identical, the applicant may submit an application for
   blanket-licensed space stations.

   (2) Where the space stations in the satellite system are not
   technically identical, the applicant must certify that each space
   station satisfies the criteria in paragraph (c) of this section, and
   submit technical information for each type of space station.

   (c) Applicants filing for authorization under the streamlined procedure
   described in this section must include with their applications
   certifications that the following criteria will be met for all space
   stations to be operated under the license:

   (1) The space station(s) will operate only in non-geostationary orbit;

   (2) The total in-orbit lifetime for any individual space station will
   be six years or less;

   (3) The space station(s):

   (i) Will be deployed at an orbital altitude of 600 km or below; or

   (ii) Will maintain a propulsion system and have the ability to make
   collision avoidance and deorbit maneuvers using propulsion;

   (4) Each space station will be identifiable by a unique signal-based
   telemetry marker distinguishing it from other space stations or space
   objects;

   (5) The space station(s) will release no operational debris;

   (6) The space station operator has assessed and limited the probability
   of accidental explosions, including those resulting from the conversion
   of energy sources on board the space station(s) into energy that
   fragments the spacecraft;

   (7) The probability of a collision between each space station and any
   other large object (10 centimeters or larger) during the orbital
   lifetime of the space station is 0.001 or less as calculated using
   current National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) software
   or other higher fidelity model;

   (8) The space station(s) will be disposed of post-mission through
   atmospheric re-entry. The probability of human casualty from portions
   of the spacecraft surviving re-entry and reaching the surface of the
   Earth is zero as calculated using current NASA software or higher
   fidelity models;

   (9) Operation of the space station(s) will be compatible with existing
   operations in the authorized frequency band(s). Operations will not
   materially constrain future space station entrants from using the
   authorized frequency band(s);

   (10) The space station(s) can be commanded by command originating from
   the ground to immediately cease transmissions and the licensee will
   have the capability to eliminate harmful interference when required
   under the terms of the license or other applicable regulations;

   (11) Each space station is 10 cm or larger in its smallest dimension;
   and

   (12) Each space station will have a mass of 180 kg or less, including
   any propellant.

   (d) The following information in narrative form shall be contained in
   each application:

   (1) An overall description of system facilities, operations, and
   services and an explanation of how uplink frequency bands would be
   connected to downlink frequency bands;

   (2) Public interest considerations in support of grant;

   (3) A description of means by which requested spectrum could be shared
   with both current and future operators, (e.g., how ephemeris data will
   be shared, antenna design, earth station geographic locations) thereby
   not materially constraining other operations in the requested frequency
   band(s);

   (4) For space stations with any means of maneuverability, including
   both active and passive means, a description of the design and
   operation of maneuverability and deorbit systems, and a description of
   the anticipated evolution over time of the orbit of the proposed
   satellite or satellites; and

   (5) In any instances where spacecraft capable of having crew aboard
   will be located at or below the deployment orbital altitude of the
   space station seeking a license, a description of the design and
   operational strategies that will be used to avoid in-orbit collision
   with such crewed spacecraft shall be furnished at time of application.
   This narrative requirement will not apply to space stations that will
   operate beyond Earth's orbit.

   (6) A list of the FCC file numbers or call signs for any known
   applications or Commission grants related to the proposed operations
   (e.g., experimental license grants, other space station or earth
   station applications or grants).

   [ 85 FR 43734 , July 20, 2020]