FCC Experimental Licensing Anthony Serafini FCC/OET January 2015
Experimental Operations Regulated under Part 5 of the FCC rules Administered by the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET), Experimental Licensing Branch Experimentation in scientific or technical radio research and communications essential to a research project across all radio services Each application reviewed on a case by case basis Operations are on a non-interference, unprotected basis
Cube Quest Where to file – Form 442 using ELS system www.fcc.gov/els When – file early What Administrative information Technical specifications – frequency, power, bandwidth, emission Description of the project and operation of the space station Things to consider IARU coordination (if using amateur frequencies); Orbital Debris and end of mission disposal; and Any special designs
Frequency Considerations Satellite – FCC Part 25 bands Existing space service bands may be candidates for consideration Must not interfere with existing licensees Amateur frequency bands Still requires a Part 5 Experimental license Some bands are heavily used by amateur licensees and are not recommended Requires IARU coordination, see http://www.iaru.org/satellite.html Part 15 bands Some bands are heavily congested
Example: CubeSat licensing
Contacts General questions Nancy Hey 202-418-2432 ELS system help Douglas Young 202-418-2440 Experimental process questions Nnake Nweke, Chief, Experimental Licensing Branch 202-418-0758 Tony Serafini 202-418-2456