Rosenworcel Says FCC Aims to Ensure US 'Sets the Pace in Space'

In launching its Space Bureau last year, the FCC "worked hard to invite new entrants" into space, and that approach has seen some success, agency Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in prepared remarks during a Satellite Industry Association event Monday night. An example of that success was Intuitive Machines' lunar lander mission last month, with it being a first-time licensee receiving the FCC's first-ever lunar license, she said. Rosenworcel said the commission "will do everything in its power to make sure the United States continues to set the pace in space -- both for our economy and our national security." Also at the SIA event, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said the satellite industry "has a critical role to play" in closing the globe's digital divides and said the ITU "is here to support you as you take up this challenge." According to provided remarks, she said sustaining "the shared space environment — particularly the radio-frequency spectrum — has to be a top priority as we continue to push the limits of space innovation." In addition, she said the ITU is encouraging the satellite community to voluntarily share de-orbiting strategies and plans "to build awareness for safe physical coexistence in orbit."