1. FCC Experimental Licensing
Anthony Serafini
FCC/OET
January 2015

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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
Part 15 bands
Some bands are heavily congested

5. Example: CubeSat licensing

6. Contacts General questions Nancy Hey 202-418-2432 ELS system help
Douglas Young
Experimental process questions
Nnake Nweke, Chief, Experimental Licensing Branch
Tony Serafini