SSPI Regulatory & Compliance Standards in Satellite Industry 3

Question 1

Under the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act (SPACE Act of 2015), which agency oversees the licensing of commercial remote sensing satellites?

Accepted Answer

NOAA

Answer

NOAA's Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA) office is responsible for licensing U.S. commercial remote sensing space systems under the SPACE Act.

Question 2

What is the 'orbital debris mitigation' rule that the FCC requires for most U.S.-licensed satellites in low Earth orbit?

Accepted Answer

Satellites must be deorbited within 5 years of end of mission

Answer

The FCC updated its orbital debris mitigation rules in 2022 to require LEO satellites to deorbit within 5 years of mission completion, replacing the older 25-year guideline.

Question 3

Which international treaty forms the legal foundation for satellite operators' liability for damage caused by their spacecraft?

Accepted Answer

Liability Convention (1972)

Answer

The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972) establishes absolute liability for damage caused on Earth's surface and fault-based liability for damage in space.

Question 4

A company wants to operate a Ka-band satellite system that serves both the United States and Europe. Which regulatory bodies would likely need to approve the operation?

Accepted Answer

FCC plus individual European national telecom regulators

Answer

Satellite systems serving multiple countries require authorization from each country's national regulator (FCC for the U.S., and respective national regulators in each European country).

Question 5

What is the role of a 'landing rights' authorization in international satellite regulation?

Accepted Answer

Permission for a foreign satellite operator to provide service to end users in another country

Answer

Landing rights authorize a foreign-licensed satellite operator to provide service to end users within a host country's territory, typically granted by the host country's telecom regulator.

(SSPI) Society of Satellite Professionals International Certification Practice Test

(SSPI) Society of Satellite Professionals International Certification Practice Test

SSPI Regulatory & Compliance Standards in Satellite Industry 3