The head of the Federal Communications Commission's Space Bureau, Jay Schwarz, has declared that the world is currently experiencing a "space industrial revolution." Speaking at a conference in Washington, he highlighted the unprecedented growth in satellite launches and called for a fundamental shift in regulatory thinking to support continued innovation.
Schwarz emphasized the need to move from a cautious, risk-focused approach to one that embraces opportunities for technological advancement and U.S. leadership in the rapidly expanding space sector. His remarks signal a significant push within the FCC to modernize rules governing space-based communications.
Key Takeaways
- Jay Schwarz, FCC Space Bureau Chief, stated, "we are living right now in the space industrial revolution."
- He described satellite launch growth as a "space hockey stick," showing a dramatic vertical increase over the last decade.
- Schwarz advocated for an "abundance mindset" in regulation, focusing on enabling innovation while managing risks.
- The FCC is actively working to streamline licensing, open new spectrum, and update outdated power limits for satellite systems.
A New Era of Space Activity
During his keynote address at the TPRC conference on Friday, September 19, 2025, Jay Schwarz presented a compelling picture of the current state of the space industry. He used a powerful visual metaphor to describe the recent surge in activity.
"If you look at a chart showing the number of objects launched into space since 1957, it’s the space hockey stick," Schwarz explained. He noted that the graph remained relatively flat for decades before showing an almost vertical climb in the last ten years. This rapid acceleration, he argued, marks a new industrial era focused on space.
What is the FCC Space Bureau?
The Space Bureau is a division of the Federal Communications Commission responsible for regulating satellite and space-based communications and services. This includes licensing satellite systems, managing spectrum allocation for space activities, and developing policies to promote a competitive commercial space sector while mitigating orbital debris.
This growth is largely driven by the commercial sector, with companies deploying large constellations of satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to provide services like global internet access. The sheer volume of these launches represents a departure from the government-led space exploration that defined previous decades.
Rethinking Regulation for an Age of Abundance
A central theme of Schwarz's speech was the need for a philosophical shift in how regulators approach the space domain. He contrasted two opposing viewpoints: a "scarcity mindset" and an "abundance mindset."
According to Schwarz, a scarcity mindset is preoccupied with potential risks and barriers, often leading to restrictive policies that can stifle progress. In contrast, he championed an abundance mindset, which he described as actively seeking positive outcomes from new technologies while still implementing measures to mitigate potential harms.
"We see offers for innovation that’s gonna improve lives, and we see these opportunities for U.S. leadership in space," Schwarz stated, outlining the perspective of the abundance model.
This approach, he suggested, is crucial for capitalizing on the economic and social benefits promised by the new space economy. It requires regulators to be more agile and forward-thinking, viewing their role as facilitators of innovation rather than just gatekeepers.
FCC's Proactive Agenda for Space
Schwarz detailed several key initiatives the FCC is undertaking to put this new regulatory philosophy into practice. These actions are designed to clear administrative hurdles and provide the resources necessary for the satellite industry to thrive.
The agency's priorities include:
- Updating Power Limits: The FCC is reviewing outdated power restrictions for non-geostationary satellite systems. Modernizing these rules could allow for more efficient and powerful communication services from orbit.
- Opening New Spectrum: Schwarz highlighted an ambitious effort to open more than 20,000 megahertz of new spectrum for satellite use. Spectrum is the range of radio frequencies used for wireless communication and is a finite resource essential for satellite operations.
- Streamlining Licensing: A major focus is to reform the licensing process for satellite systems. Schwarz criticized the legacy system for having a default stance of "no," which he believes discourages innovation. The goal is to create a more efficient and predictable process that encourages new entrants and technologies.
Understanding Spectrum
Radio spectrum is a critical, invisible resource. The 20,000 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum the FCC aims to open for satellite use is a massive allocation, equivalent to more than 25 times the total spectrum currently used for all terrestrial mobile phone services in the United States.
These initiatives collectively aim to dismantle what Schwarz referred to as a legacy of a "very command and control environment." During a question-and-answer session, he expressed his hope that future administrations would continue this transition away from rigid, top-down regulation.
The Future of Space Governance
When asked about his desired legacy, Schwarz was clear. He hopes his influence will be seen in the continued shift in space regulation "from command and control to less command and control or no command and control."
This vision reflects a belief that the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the modern space industry requires a more flexible regulatory framework. As thousands of new satellites are launched, creating complex challenges like orbital debris management and spectrum coordination, the FCC's role is evolving.
Schwarz's speech indicates that the agency is positioning itself not just as a regulator, but as a key enabler of the ongoing space industrial revolution. The policies it implements today will have a lasting impact on U.S. competitiveness and the future development of the global space economy.