Space Station Work Needs RF Device Clarity: Axiom

With its plans to start building a private addition to the International Space Station starting in February, Axiom Space needs FCC relief because the agency's current certification on RF devices isn't sufficient to take customer-furnished communications equipment into space, company officials said. In speaking with officials including Office of Engineering and Technology acting Chief Ron Repasi, Axiom sought guidance for integrating communications on payloads owned by internationally represented entities, per a docket 13-115 post Monday. Longer term, there should be a “light-touch” regulatory environment for on-orbit services where licensing supports the growing commercial space sector, Axiom said.