The "Secure Space Act of 2026" amends the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, prohibiting the grant of certain satellite licenses, United States market access, or earth station authorizations to entities listed by the Commission. It defines various terms, including affiliate, blanket-licensed earth station, and gateway station. Additionally, the bill directs the Commission to assess supply chain security risks associated with earth station licensees and entities using communications equipment from listed entities. The act applies to the grant of a license, petition, or authorization after its enactment, and the Federal Communications Commission is required to issue implementing rules within a year of its enactment.
Secure Space Act of 2025
This bill prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting satellite licenses or earth station authorizations, including U.S. market access for foreign-licensed satellites, to specified foreign entities of concern and their affiliates. (Earth stations, also commonly known as ground stations, are earth-based radio stations that communicate with satellites. A grant of U.S. market access permits one or more foreign-licensed satellites to communicate with one or more U.S.-licensed earth stations.)
Specifically, the FCC may not grant a satellite license, an earth station authorization, or market access to any entity, or an affiliate thereof, that produces or provides communications equipment or services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States. (The FCC maintains a list of such equipment and services, known as the Covered List. Providers of such equipment and services include, for example, Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation.)
