Relativity Space asks the FCC to consider co-primary spectrum status for commercial launch

FCC ECFS · ET Docket 13-115 · Reply comments · 2026-09-25
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In reply comments filed September 25 in FCC docket 13-115, Relativity Space says flight test and space launch telemetry are, in nearly every respect the Aerospace and Flight Test Radio Coordinating Council (AFTRCC) identifies as relevant to spectrum priority, "the same type of operation." Both carry real-time safety data, both are intolerant of significant interruption, and both involve high-value hardware. Relativity notes that AFTRCC uses those traits to justify primary status for its incumbent users. Relativity says the same conclusion "could be extended to the commercial space launch community."

One material difference is duration and geographic extent: a launch occupies spectrum "for minutes, from a fixed site or sites," along a trajectory that can be deterministically characterized. Relativity posits that this profile "could make space launch easier to accommodate than additional users requiring sustained spectrum access under a co-primary allocation." The company asks the Commission to consider a co-primary allocation for commercial launch. Orbit Sentinel counts 219 filings in the docket from 81 distinct parties, including 125 comments.

"Holding commercial space launch operations as secondary users in these bands may therefore be a root cause of capacity concerns raised by the flight test community."

— Maggie McNeece, Director, Government Affairs, and Kiersten Fortson, Senior Counsel, Launch Operations, in the reply comments of Relativity Space, Inc., FCC ET Docket 13-115

Sources: Relativity Space reply comments → · Orbit Sentinel (docket 13-115)

Filed underDocket 13-115Relativity SpaceLaunch SpectrumCo Primary AllocationAFTRCCFCC

Questions & answers

What is Relativity Space asking the FCC to consider?
Whether a change to a co-primary allocation for commercial space launch could optimize the use of limited spectrum in a manner beneficial to all users. Relativity says this is not meant to replace evaluating new or expanded allocations.
Why does Relativity compare launch to flight test?
It argues flight test and space launch telemetry are, in nearly every respect the Aerospace and Flight Test Radio Coordinating Council (AFTRCC) identifies as relevant to spectrum priority, the same type of operation, and notes that AFTRCC uses those traits to justify primary status for its incumbent users.
How big is docket 13-115?
Orbit Sentinel counts 219 filings from 81 distinct parties, including 125 comments.