SpaceX has been asking the FCC for permission to share spectrum already allocated to Globalstar and Dish Network AWS-4 spectrum — the FCC has dismissed SpaceX’s application.

The SpaceX application had included deployment of 7,500 Starlink ‘second-generation’ satellites with equipment operating in the 1610-1617.775 MHz (Earth to space), 2483.5-1500 MHz (space to Earth, and in the 1.6-2.4 GHz bands) and 2000-2020 MHz (Earth to space) and 2180-2200 MHz (space to Earth and in the 2 GHz bands) and the 2020-2025 (Earth to space bands).

The FCC said the requests “do not substantially comply… and are not available for MSS applications.”

However, the FCC has invited comments from interested parties and set April 25th for comments to be made and May 10th as the date when responses are due. Comments from observers suggest that the application by SpaceX was something of a “long shot” by the satellite operator.

Meanwhile, SpaceX is pursuing its separate application to the FCC to expand its coverage of ‘second-generation’ satellites to occupy orbits being used by ‘first-generation’ craft. “SpaceX met with FCC Space Bureau staff on March 21, 2024, to urge swift action on SpaceX’s pending modification,” said SpaceX.

As SpaceX explained in its modification application, SpaceX seeks to deploy upgraded satellite hardware to further populate its first-generation (Gen1) constellation and over time replace earlier satellite versions as they reach the end of their planned operational period. While this upgraded satellite hardware will enable higher-quality service for consumers on the ground, it will not cause any increase in interference to other spectrum users. Further, the modification does not involve any changes to orbits, altitudes, or inclinations of SpaceX’s Gen1 system, said the SpaceX letter to the FCC.

YahSat, Bayanat merger moves closer

Abu Dhabi-based businesses, YahSat and Bayanat, announced their merger last December. The final stage in the plan which is to create a new holding company called Space42 is close.

Both companies in the merger have announced special General Assembly meetings to be held simultaneously on April 25th in order to vote on the scheme. The plan is that Bayanat would hold 54 per cent of the merged business, with YahSat holding 46 per cent.

Space42 will serve as an AI-powered space technology player in the MENA region. The pair claim the merger would create one of the most valuable publicly listed space companies in the world with additional potential for significant global growth and synergies.

The combined companies will have a pro-forma revenue of some 2.8 billion Dirhams (about €0.7bn) and net income of 637 million Dirhams based on last year’s trading.

The merger is subject to a number of conditions, including regulatory approvals from governmental authorities including the Securities and Commodities Authority, the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, and various international regulatory authorities, and the approval of shareholders representing 75 per cent of the voting rights present at a quorate General Assembly Meeting of each of Bayanat and Yahsat. Both companies will continue to operate independently until the merger is effective.