SpaceX Lower Orbit Approval Reasonable, FCC Tells DC Circuit

The FCC repeatedly described its April approval of lower orbits for more than 2,800 proposed SpaceX satellites as "reasonable," in an appellee brief Tuesday (in Pacer, docket 21-1123) at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The agency said SpaceX certified it would meet ITU-set interference limits. The FCC said appeals based on supposed environmental effects lack standing since they don't assert an injury within the National Environmental Policy Act zone of interests. Dish Network, Viasat and Balance Group are challenging the SpaceX sign-off (see 2106020036). Appellant outside counsel didn't comment Wednesday.