Space Station Regulatory Fee Changes for 2024

Summary

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) adopted a new methodology for assessing annual regulatory fees for small satellites and spacecraft, and included space stations that are principally used for Rendezvous & Proximity Operations (RPO) or On-Orbit Servicing (OOS), including Orbit Transfer Vehicles (OTV), in the existing fee category for "small satellites" on an interim basis until the Commission can develop more experience in how these space stations will be regulated. These changes are intended to be effective for fiscal year (FY) 2024.

Compliance Requirements

1. #1

   Set the regulatory fee for 'Space Stations (per license/call sign in non-geostationary orbit) (47 CFR part 25) (Small Satellite)' for FY 2024 at the level set for FY 2023 ($12,215), with annual adjustments thereafter to reflect the percentage change in the FCC appropriation, unit count, and FTE allocation percentage from the previous fiscal year.; Include space stations that are principally used for Rendezvous & Proximity Operations (RPO) or On-Orbit Servicing (OOS), including Orbit Transfer Vehicles (OTV), in the existing fee category for 'small satellites' on an interim basis.; Assess regulatory fees on RPO, OOS, and OTV space stations using the small satellite fee category regardless of the orbit utilized (geostationary or non-geostationary).; Assess the regulatory fee for RPO, OOS, and OTV space stations on a 'per license/call sign' basis as is the case for small satellites payors.; Multiply the per unit regulatory fee for small satellites by the number of small satellite units for the fiscal year and deduct this amount from the NGSO share of space station regulatory fees, divided between NGSO-Other and NGSO-Less Complex based on an 80/20 split.

   Deadline: 2024-09-13(September 13, 2024)

Market Impacts

• New methodology sets regulatory fee for small satellites at FY 2023 level ($12,215) with annual adjustments based on appropriation changes, unit count, and FTE allocation percentage. RPO, OOS, and OTV space stations included in small satellite fee category on interim basis regardless of orbit; Commission declines to assess regulatory fees on ISAM space stations using small satellite category at this time, citing premature decision-making while regulatory framework is still being developed; All space station operators must comply with new fee assessment methodology. RPO/OOS/OTV operators must now pay regulatory fees under small satellite category rather than operating without specific fee category; Interim classification approach allows Commission to gain experience with emerging space services while providing predictable, lower-cost regulatory environment to encourage development

Validated Company Impacts