H.R. 2458: Secure Space Act of 2025

The proposed legislation, known as the Secure Space Act of 2025, aims to modify existing laws regarding satellite systems and earth stations in the United States. The main elements of the bill include:

Prohibition on Licensing and Market Access

This bill amends the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to include a new provision that prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting any licenses, market access, or authorizations related to:

• Geostationary Orbit Satellite Systems: Satellites that remain in a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface.
• Nongeostationary Orbit Satellite Systems: Satellites that orbit in a manner where their position changes relative to the Earth.
• Individually Licensed Earth Stations: Specific earth stations that send and receive signals to/from these satellites.
• Blanket-Licensed Earth Stations: Earth stations that are part of a group licensed to communicate with these satellites.

The prohibitions apply if the licenses or permissions would be controlled by certain entities:

• Any entity that produces or provides "covered communications equipment or service".
• Affiliates of such entities, as defined under the Communications Act of 1934.

Definitions

The bill includes specific definitions for terms such as:

• Blanket-licensed Earth Station: An earth station authorized to operate with either a geostationary or nongeostationary satellite system.
• Gateway Station: A type of earth station that supports satellite routing and switching operations, but does not initiate or terminate communication traffic.
• Individually Licensed Earth Station: An earth station that is individually designated to communicate with satellites.

Implementation Timeline

The FCC will be required to create rules to enforce these new provisions within one year following the enactment of the bill.

Applicability

The new rules will apply to all applications and permissions requested on or after the bill's enactment date, meaning it will not retroactively affect licenses already granted or under review prior to that date.

Relevant Companies

• GSAT - Globalstar, Inc.: This company operates satellite networks and could face restrictions on future licensing if considered to be a covered entity under the bill.
• TBD - Any additional company that manufactures or distributes covered communications equipment or services could be significantly impacted by these new licensing requirements.