FCC News

Payload • Victoria Woodburn

FCC to consider allowing unlicensed devices to communicate directly with satellites

The FCC announced it will consider a proposal to permit unlicensed wireless devices to communicate directly with satellites, expanding beyond today’s licensed satellite-link ecosystem. The effort would broaden access to spectrum paths that can support direct-to-device connectivity using commonly available consumer radio capabilities.

1 Source

2026-07-21T10:53:58.954625-07:00

Reuters

SpaceX targets July 16 for Starship Flight 13, deploying Starlink from a v3 vehicle after schedule slips

32 Sources

2026-07-13T07:45:06.737977-07:00

Universe Today

FCC approves first test launch for Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1 satellite

2 Sources

2026-07-17T04:51:29.219067-07:00

Space.com

FCC clears Reflect Orbital’s in-orbit space mirror as Rocket Lab eyes Iridium acquisition and new D-to-GEO launch partnerships f

5 Sources

2026-07-13T03:13:59.779553-07:00

Federal Communications Commission News Timeline

Payload

1 source

FCC to consider allowing unlicensed devices to communicate directly with satellites The FCC announced it will consider a proposal to permit unlicensed wireless devices to communicate directly with satellites, expanding beyond today’s licensed satellite-link ecosystem. The effort would broaden access to spectrum paths that can support direct-to-device connectivity using commonly available consumer radio capabilities.

2026-07-21T10:53:58.954625-07:00

FCC to consider allowing unlicensed devices to communicate directly with satellites

Universe Today

2 sources

FCC approves first test launch for Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1 satellite The US Federal Communications Commission has approved the first test launch of Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1 satellite, the initial step toward the company’s planned Reflect Orbital space reflector constellation. The approval clears the path for test-lifespan deployment under FCC authorization.

2026-07-17T04:51:29.219067-07:00

FCC approves first test launch for Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1 satellite

Via Satellite

1 source

FCC considers allowing Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth-style unlicensed devices to connect directly with satellites for direct-to-device (D2D) s The FCC is evaluating whether to permit unlicensed wireless devices—such as Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth—to communicate directly with satellites via direct-to-device (D2D) service. The proposal would shift connectivity models by enabling satellite links from common consumer device classes without requiring licensed handset transceivers.

2026-07-15T13:46:08.686563-07:00

FCC considers allowing Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth-style unlicensed devices to connect directly with satellites for direct-to-device (D2D) s

Bloomberg

None source

FCC Cutting Satellite Approval Lag In Half, Chairman Says

2026-07-13T08:59:06.647861-07:00

FCC Cutting Satellite Approval

Reuters

32 sources

❗️

SpaceX targets July 16 for Starship Flight 13, deploying Starlink from a v3 vehicle after schedule slips SpaceX is preparing Starship’s 13th test flight later this week, with a target no earlier than July 16. Flight 13 will use the rocket’s Version 3 configuration and is intended to be similar to Flight 12, while SpaceX also plans to test new Starlink satellites in orbit. The launch has seen at least one T-0 pushback.

2026-07-13T07:45:06.737977-07:00

SpaceX targets July 16 for Starship Flight 13, deploying Starlink from a v3 vehicle after schedule slips

Space.com

5 sources

❗️

FCC clears Reflect Orbital’s in-orbit space mirror as Rocket Lab eyes Iridium acquisition and new D-to-GEO launch partnerships f The FCC approved Reflect Orbital to launch its first light-directing in-orbit mirror, with the agency saying environmental/astronomy concerns fall outside its remit. Separately, Rocket Lab agreed to acquire Iridium Communications for $8B, while Infinite Orbits and Arianespace signed an MoU to develop direct-to-GEO launch services.

2026-07-13T03:13:59.779553-07:00

FCC clears Reflect Orbital’s in-orbit space mirror as Rocket Lab eyes Iridium acquisition and new D-to-GEO launch partnerships f

Via Satellite

3 sources

FCC approves Reflect Orbital demo satellite to test space-based solar reflector for redirecting sunlight The FCC has approved Reflect Orbital’s demonstration satellite, which will test a solar reflector designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth. The move clears a key U.S. regulatory step for validating the concept’s technical feasibility and spectrum/space-operations aspects tied to operating the spacecraft.

2026-07-10T11:30:22.051254-07:00

FCC approves Reflect Orbital demo satellite to test space-based solar reflector for redirecting sunlight

Reuters

7 sources

Turkey in talks with Russia over potential S-400 transfer as F-35 negotiations and U.S. sanctions lift efforts continue Turkey has started discussions with Russia to enable it to sell/transfer its S-400 air defense system, which led to Turkey’s removal from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Turkish officials say the goal is to reach progress on lifting U.S. sanctions and preserve allied defense cooperation while keeping pathways open to purchase F-35s.

2026-07-10T08:29:46.346237-07:00

Turkey in talks with Russia over potential S-400 transfer as F-35 negotiations and U.S. sanctions lift efforts continue

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