FCC votes to boost manufacturing in space

The FCC may have just advanced the industrialization of space. Commissioners have voted in favor of an inquiry that will explore in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM). The move would both help officials understand the demands and risks of current in-space production technology while facilitating new projects. This could help companies build satellites and stations in orbit, for instance, while finding new ways to deal with growing volumes of space debris.

The vote helps open a new "Space Innovation" docket at the FCC. It also comes two days after the regulator updated its rules to create more breathing room for satellite broadband frequencies. Expect considerably more space-related developments going forward, then.

Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel saw the inquiry as vital. Existing rules were made for "another era" where space programs were exclusively government-run, she said. The support ISAM will ideally help the FCC adapt to space tourism, huge private satellite constellations and a larger general shift toward commercial spaceflight.

There's plenty of pressure to act. Blue Origin, Axiom and other companies are building commercial space stations, and even NASA is preparing for a time when it might lease space aboard corporate facilities. In-orbit satellite repairs might also prove crucial in minimizing space junk from a wave of privately-operated satellites. While the FCC is only just starting its efforts, the benefits might last for decades.

Not that this is likely anytime soon.

But certainly we should try to bring Manufacturing back to Earth, specifically the 49 states.

(no not 57 states, and hawaii does not need or want that stuff anyway)

We hate the FCC on planet earth. Do we really want them to reach out into space comm ? Not !

2 posted on 08/05/2022 2:27:53 PM PDT by George from New England

lets put a computer chip factory in space so we can watch China try to blow it up in orbit...that should be fun.

3 posted on 08/05/2022 2:34:11 PM PDT by The Louiswu (If your child requires validation from Chuck E. Cheese you have failed as a parent. )

What is important is that the Senate confirm the first LGBTQXYZ Commissioner so the rainbow flag can fly throughout the solar system.

;-)

4 posted on 08/05/2022 2:37:08 PM PDT by cgbg (A kleptocracy--if they can keep it. Think of it as the Cantillon Effect in action.)

When I see my shoes with a ‘Made In Space’ tag on it...that is when I will get mad...We need jobs here in the USA not outer space...

5 posted on 08/05/2022 7:10:44 PM PDT by Deplorable American1776 (I'm the one trying to save American Democracy...Donald Trump 6/5/21 at the NCGOP convention)

Nothing quite like adding the cost of a heavy lift booster to the price of a batch of hot wheels.

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