OMB Approves FCC Satellite Spectrum Final Rule

Yesterday, the OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) announced that approved a final rule from the FCC on “Satellite Spectrum Abundance (SB Docket No. 25-180)”. The notice of proposed rulemaking was published on June 27th, 2025. 

According to the 2026 Unified Agenda entry for this rulemaking: 

“On May 22, 2025, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek further comment on ways to use the 12.7-13.25 GHz band (12.7 GHz band) and the 42.0-42.5 GHz band (42 GHz band) more efficiently and intensively. Specifically, the item seeks comment on the possibility of achieving more intensive use of the 12.7 GHz band by satellite communications through the removal of existing regulatory restrictions and the opening of the band to a wider range of satellite operations. Likewise, it seeks comment on the potential for more intensive use of the 42 GHz band by adding for the first time an allocation for fixed-satellite service (FSS). In both instances, the item seeks comment on ways to protect any incumbent spectrum users in the bands, as well as ways to protect spectrum users, particularly Federal operators, in adjacent bands.” 

This final rule will be covered under my limited Space Geek coverage and its publication will be reported in the appropriate Short Takes post. 

OMB Approves FCC Direct-to-Device Spectrum NPRM

Yesterday, the OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) announced that it had approved a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) from the FCC on “Unleashing Unlicensed Spectrum for Direct-to-Device”. The rule was submitted to OIRA on August 27th, 2026. 

According to the 2026 Unified Agenda entry for this rulemaking: 

“As space launches and satellite deployment continue to increase, companies with space-based operations are increasingly looking to expand capacity, reduce cost, and increase the utility of their operations.  The increase in space launches, coupled with the growing diversity of non-satellite spacecraft, has resulted in a growing need to support communication in space and between Earth and space. To meet this growing need, the Commission begins this proceeding to explore unlicensed device use in space.” 

Interestingly, the OMB previously approved this rulemaking (RIN# 3060-AM28) on August 11th, 2026, and an NPRM was published on September 8th, 2026. 

Review – Bills Introduced – 10-5-26

Yesterday, with the House meeting in pro forma session, there were 41 bills introduced. I do not expect to cover any of those bills in this blog. 

Space Geek Legislation 

I would like to mention one bill under my limited Space Geek coverage in this blog: 

HR 10750 To direct the Secretary of the Air Force to establish a pilot program to conduct in-space technology demonstrations regarding advanced nuclear fission propulsion systems and advanced nuclear fusion propulsion systems. Whitesides, George [Rep.-D-CA-27]    

For more information on these bills, including legislative history for similar bills in the 118th Congress, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/bills-introduced-10-5-26 - subscription required. 

Short Takes – 10-3-26 - Space Geek Edition

The DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published five commercial space launch notices of proposed rulemaking in Monday’s Federal Register (available online today). They include:  

• 91 FR 63180; Docket No.: FAA-2026-9935 – Digital Modernization for Licensing Electronic Application Submissions – Summary: “FAA proposes to amend its commercial space launch and reentry licensing regulations to allow for submission of license and permit applications and requests for waivers, alternative time frames, and safety element approvals through additional electronic methods.” 
• 91 FR 63199; Docket No.: FAA-2026-9940 – Lightning Hazard Mitigation Burden-Reducing Exception – Summary “FAA proposes to amend its commercial space launch and reentry licensing regulations to streamline the licensing process and reduce regulatory burden for license applicants. Specifically, FAA proposes to add an exception for compliance with lightning hazard mitigation requirements for certain licensed launch and reentry operations.” 
• 91 FR 63204; Docket No.: FAA-2026-9941 – Overpressure Blast Effects Analysis Burden Reducing Clarification – Summary “FAA proposes to amend its commercial space launch and reentry licensing regulations to streamline the licensing process and reduce regulatory burden for license applicants. Specifically, FAA proposes to amend the regulations to state that a far-field overpressure blast effects analysis required for license applicants does not need to account for members of the public in hypothetical locations.” 
• 91 FR 63185; Docket No.: FAA-2026-9934 – Simplifying Physical Containment Requirements – Summary: “FAA proposes to amend its commercial space launch and reentry licensing regulations to streamline the licensing process and reduce regulatory burden on operators. Specifically, FAA proposes to relieve the burden by specifying that, when using physical containment as a hazard control strategy, operators do not need to develop flight hazard areas in accordance with FAA's existing flight hazard area analysis requirements.” 
• 91 FR 63190; Docket No.: FAA-2026-9936 – Streamlining Flight Safety Analysis Methodology Means of Compliance – Summary: “FAA proposes to amend its commercial space launch and reentry licensing regulations to streamline the licensing process. Specifically, FAA proposes to alleviate regulatory burden for license applicants by consolidating information required for an operator's flight safety analysis.” 

Each of these rulemakings would be considered to be ‘deregulatory actions’ under EO 14192. 

The FAA is soliciting comments on each of these NPRMs. Comments may be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal (www.Regulations.gov; using the listed docket number). Comments should be submitted by November 4th, 2026. 

Short Takes – 9-30-26 - Federal Register Edition

Avian Influenza  

Amendments To Import Requirements for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. APHIS notice of proposed rulemaking. Summary: “Current APHIS regulations specify that live birds and other avian commodities may not be exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or sourced from premises quarantined for HPAI within the 90 days immediately preceding export to the United States. We are proposing to reduce this timeframe to 28 days preceding export to the United States. This action is necessary to align APHIS regulations with international standards regarding HPAI transmission. This action would allow foreign regions to resume the export of live birds and other avian commodities to the United States sooner following an outbreak of HPAI, while still providing adequate safeguards that the importation of the birds or other avian commodities does not present a risk of disseminating HPAI within the United States.” 

Medical Device Security  

Robotically-Assisted Surgical Devices-Premarket Submissions; Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff. FDA notice of availability. Summary: “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of the draft guidance titled “Robotically-Assisted Surgical Devices—Premarket Submissions.” This draft guidance provides draft recommendations for premarket submissions for robotically-assisted surgical devices (RASDs). This draft guidance is not final nor is it for implementation at this time.” NOTE: includes cybersecurity guidance. 

Space Geek  

Name of Information Collection: NASA Small Business Supplier Development Program (Formerly Known as the NASA Mentor-Protégé Program). NASA 30-day ICR revision notice. Summary: “The purpose of the Program is to provide incentives to NASA prime contractors (mentors) to assist small businesses and other protégés to enhance their capabilities and increase their participation in NASA, other Government, and in commercial contracts and subcontracts. Under the Program, mentor-protégé agreements specify the assistance to be provided by the mentor and agreement milestones, as well as reporting requirements for the mentor and protégé firm. This information collection (i.e., application and reports submitted pursuant to mentor-protégé agreements) is required by NASA to monitor the performance and progress of both the mentor and the protégé in this developmental assistance program.” 

Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Blue Origin New Glenn Cadence Increase at Space Launch Complex 36A, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. FAA notice of availability. Summary: “In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), DOT Order 5610.1D, DOT's Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts, and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment Blue Origin New Glenn Cadence Increase at Space Launch Complex 36A, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida (Draft EA).” 

Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and Open a Public Scoping Period for the SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy Operations at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida. FAA notice of intent. Summary: “In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, and Department of War (DoW) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) NEPA Implementing Procedures, FAA is announcing its intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) concerning Space Exploration Technologies Corp.'s (SpaceX) proposal obtain a modification to their existing vehicle operator license from the FAA to authorize commercial Starship-Super Heavy operations at Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS). This SEIS supports FAA's adoption of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (2025 DAF EIS), EIS Identification Number: EISX-007-057-USF-1730277197. The proposed operations would include up to 76 Starship-Super Heavy launches and up to 152 landings per year (up to 76 Super Heavy Booster and up to 76 Starship vehicle landings), including return-to-launch-site (RTLS) and ocean landings. FAA is requesting comments concerning the scope and content of the SEIS. A Draft SEIS will be released for public review and comment later.”