Bill Overview
Title: LAUNCHES Act
Description: This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to facilitate access to specified broadband spectrum frequencies for commercial space launches and reentries. Under current law, commercial missions launching from the United States to space must use government-owned spectrum to communicate with the rockets during launch, and private companies must apply to the FCC to receive special temporary authority to use such spectrum. On June 28, 2021, the FCC issued a final rule adopting a nonfederal secondary allocation of the 2200-2290 megahertz frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum for use during commercial space launches and reentries. The bill requires the FCC to adopt service rules for access to additional frequencies for commercial space launches and reentries and complete associated rulemaking activities (e.g., those that set technical specifications and eligibility requirements) to implement the allocation of the frequencies. The FCC must also streamline the process for access authorizations, providing for (1) authorizations to access specified frequencies for multiple commercial space launches and reentries from one or more launch or reentry sites, (2) authorizations for multiple uses of such frequencies for a commercial space launch or reentry, (3) automation of the FCC's review process for access applications, and (4) increased coordination between the FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to speed the review of such applications.
Sponsors: Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]
Target Audience
Population: People working in or benefiting from the space and satellite communication industry
Estimated Size: 200000
- The LAUNCHES Act primarily targets the space industry, which is globally relevant due to the activities of companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others involved in commercial space launches and reentries.
- The act involves the allocation of electromagnetic spectrum frequencies, which is significant for communication channels used during launches and can affect launch site operations.
- These space missions and their efficiencies impact satellite deployment, which has global implications for communications, weather forecasting, and scientific research.
Reasoning
- The LAUNCHES Act primarily focuses on the commercial space industry, which is a growing field with direct and indirect impacts on various sectors, including telecommunications, navigation, and space exploration.
- The policy principally benefits companies involved in space launches, potentially reducing their operational costs and increasing their efficiency through streamlined access to broadband spectrum.
- While the direct impact is on the companies involved in space launches, there are ripple effects for industries that rely on satellite deployment and related services, such as telecommunications, weather forecasting, and global positioning systems (GPS).
- The act's funding limitations suggest that the most significant benefits will be experienced by larger companies and entities directly involved in launch operations, with peripheral stakeholders seeing more long-term and subdued effects.
- It's essential to include a diverse range of perspectives, including those not directly involved in space industries, to capture any broader societal insights or objections.
Simulated Interviews
Aerospace Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy sounds beneficial for our operations. Streamlined frequency allocation will ease one of our significant operational bottlenecks.
- In the long run, quicker approvals could accelerate project timelines and reduce costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Space Launch Coordinator (Cape Canaveral, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New rules can reduce complexity and delays in the launch approval process.
- It should make launch scheduling less stressful and more predictable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Telecommunications Manager (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm interested to see how improved launch efficiency could benefit satellite communication timelines.
- There's potential for enhanced global communications infrastructure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlined regulatory processes are generally positive for innovation and industry growth.
- It's crucial to ensure public sector oversight doesn't weaken.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Space Enthusiast & Blogger (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Regulations like these make commercial space more exciting by cutting red tape.
- I hope this leads to more frequent and publicized launches.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired NASA Engineer (Pasadena, CA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be a game changer for how private companies approach launch schedules.
- It's important that it complements NASA's ongoing projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Meteorologist (Denver, CO)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Efficient satellite deployment through better launch processes could improve forecasting accuracy.
- It's always a concern how changes in regulation impact data availability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Audio-Visual Technician (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's always interesting to hear about improvements in technology and space exploration, though it doesn't impact my day-to-day directly.
- Maybe this will lead to better space documentaries with real-time launch data.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Telecommunications Specialist (Orlando, FL)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improvements in spectrum allocation are crucial for the reliability of our communication networks.
- I'm keen to see how these changes might lead to innovation in our industry.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Tech Entrepreneur (New York, NY)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlined processes can open up new opportunities by making satellite launches easier and faster.
- Hopefully, this will lower entry barriers for new companies in the space sector.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $40000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $45000000)
Year 3: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $40000000)
Year 5: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Technological implementation and development for new processes could experience delays or unexpected costs.
- Inter-agency coordination may introduce complexities that could affect the speed of implementation and subsequent benefits.