Satellite licensing and transfer checklist

1The licences held

1. Which space station licences does the operator hold, and which milestones remain?

   FCC licences carry build-out milestones. A missed milestone can cut back the authorisation, so check the dates against the deployment plan.

   eCFR: 47 CFR 25.164 (milestones)

   Key term: Licence to launch and operate

2. Has the milestone bond been posted?

   Failure to post a bond voids the licence automatically.

   eCFR: 47 CFR 25.165 (surety bonds)

3. For a UK operator, which licences under the Outer Space Act 1986 or the Space Industry Act 2018 are held, and on what conditions?

   Licences are granted only where safety, international obligations and national security are met, and they carry conditions that may restrict a transfer.

   legislation.gov.uk: Outer Space Act 1986, section 4 (grant of licence)

4. Which spectrum licences and ITU filings support the service, and who holds them?

   Using radio apparatus without an Ofcom licence is unlawful. ITU filings are made through a national administration, not owned by the operator.

   legislation.gov.uk: Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, section 8 (licences)

   Key term: Spectrum and ITU filings

5. Does a US remote sensing licence apply to the imaging system?

   Private remote sensing systems need a licence from the Department of Commerce, with conditions that can affect data sales.

   eCFR: 15 CFR 960.1 (licensing of private remote sensing systems)

6. Does a non-US satellite have market access to serve the United States?

   Market access is granted by the FCC and can be lost or made conditional on a change of ownership.

   eCFR: 47 CFR 25.137 (market access for non-U.S. satellites)