# Understanding the Secure Space Act of 2025

This bill prevents the Federal Communications Commission (the agency that oversees telecommunications in the U.S.) from allowing certain foreign companies to operate satellites that communicate with the United States. Specifically, it blocks companies that the government has identified as national security risks from getting licenses to launch satellites, operate ground stations (the earth-based equipment that talks to satellites), or provide satellite services to American customers. The bill targets companies like Huawei and ZTE that produce communications equipment considered potentially dangerous to U.S. security.

In practical terms, this means that if you use satellite internet, phone services, or other satellite-based communications, the government wants to make sure those satellites aren't controlled by companies it views as security threats. The bill essentially creates a blacklist—if a foreign company or its related businesses are flagged as security risks, they can't participate in America's satellite communications network. This applies not just to companies trying to launch their own satellites, but also to foreign satellites that want permission to operate in U.S. airspace or communicate with American ground stations.

For most everyday people, this bill operates behind the scenes. You probably won't notice any immediate changes to your internet or phone service. However, it could affect the long-term availability and pricing of satellite services by limiting which companies can compete in the U.S. market. The bill essentially prioritizes national security concerns over having the maximum number of companies offering satellite services, which means fewer options but theoretically safer communications infrastructure.

Secure Space Act of 2025

Pallone, Frank

Secure Space Act of 2025This bill prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting satellite licenses or earth station authorizations, including U.S. market access for foreign-licensed satellites, to specified foreign entities of concern and their affiliates. (Earth stations, also commonly known as ground stations, are earth-based radio stations that communicate with satellites. A grant of U.S. market access permits one or more foreign-licensed satellites to communicate with one or more U.S.-licensed earth stations.)Specifically, the FCC may not grant a satellite license, an earth station authorization, or market access to any entity, or an affiliate thereof, that produces or provides communications equipment or services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States. (The FCC maintains a list of such equipment and services, known as the Covered List. Providers of such equipment and services include, for example, Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation.)&nbsp;