Prior to commencement of service, a commercial remote sensing satellite system operator is required to obtain the approval of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its use of radio frequency spectrum. 47 CFR Part 25 §102 states that "No person shall use or operate apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by space or earth stations except under, and in accordance with, an appropriate authorization granted by the Federal Communications Commission."
The International Telecommunication Union has categorized uses of the radio frequency spectrum into various services and the United States has adopted similar categories. Remote sensing space systems are generally considered to be in the Earth Exploration Satellite Service. Nearly all of the spectrum allocated for this service is already available for non-Government use. Of these 43 bands, only the 2200-2290 MHz band is not available for non-Government use by this service.
Footnote US258 to the National Table of Frequency Allocations states that "in the 8025-8400 MHz band, the non-Government Earth Exploration Satellite Service (space-to-Earth) is allocated on a primary basis. Authorizations are subject to a case-by-case electromagnetic compatibility analysis." This analysis is conducted by the license applicant, the FCC, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which assigns radio frequency spectrum for U.S. Government use.
Specific information on allocations for the Earth Exploration Satellite Service may be found in 47 CFR Part 2 (Frequency Allocations and Radio Treaty Matters; General Rules and Regulations). FCC licensing regulations for satellite communications are provided in 47 CFR Part 25 (Satellite Communications). Standard application forms for FCC operating licenses may be obtained by writing the Federal Communications Commission, Forms Distribution Center, 2803 52nd Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20781 or by calling (202) 638-FORM.
For additional information, contact the FCC International Bureau, Satellite and Radiocommunication Division, Satellite Engineering Branch, at (202) 418-0420 phone or (202) 418-0748 fax.