The FAA has jurisdiction over launches through US-controlled airspace. The FCC has jurisdiction over radio signals originating within the US.
It is debatable whether a satellite in polar LEO is "within the US" for the purposes of jurisdiction, but even assuming that it is, the FCC can only theoretically control the use of its radios while over US territory.
It has nothing to say whatsoever about whether the satellite can be there in orbit.
Judge David Sentelle [to FCC]: "You can't regulate washing machines. You can't rule the world."
So, not the first time the FCC has acted bigger than its britches.
It seems likely there should be a UN mission for avoiding Kessler Syndrome and perhaps further regulating the tracking and traffic control of human-launched objects.
> It has nothing to say whatsoever about whether the satellite can be there in orbit.
I'm not an expert in space law, but I did work in the space industry for a while. A few things:
The US government in general does have a say in whether certain technology can be in orbit. If you are making an Earth observing satellite, for instance, you need to get a permit. If my memory serves me right, I think it is the Department of Commerce. If you want to point above a certain accuracy, image above a certain resolution, etc. you are controlled by ITAR. Export that to India or discuss the technology with a non-US person? You are personally liable and can go to jail. That gets nailed in your head during ITAR training.
There's nothing new about the FCC asking for orbital debris mitigation reports. It has been this way for at least a decade.
And the ITU has regulated geo for a long time. I believe they defer to national agencies, which in this case is the FCC.
It is debatable whether a satellite in polar LEO is "within the US" for the purposes of jurisdiction, but even assuming that it is, the FCC can only theoretically control the use of its radios while over US territory.
It has nothing to say whatsoever about whether the satellite can be there in orbit.
Judge David Sentelle [to FCC]: "You can't regulate washing machines. You can't rule the world."
So, not the first time the FCC has acted bigger than its britches.
It seems likely there should be a UN mission for avoiding Kessler Syndrome and perhaps further regulating the tracking and traffic control of human-launched objects.