A Beginner’s Guide to Frequency Licensing and Compliance
By Seda Hewitt
So, you’ve built a satellite. Or maybe you’re still sketching it out on a napkin. Either way, at some point, you’ll need to ask a question that doesn’t feel very “space-age,” but is absolutely crucial: Are we even allowed to use that frequency?
Welcome to the world of frequency licensing and compliance—a side of satellite development that’s less about rockets and more about regulations. And for beginners? It can be a little overwhelming.
But understanding the basics is not just important—it’s non-negotiable. Because no matter how brilliant your satellite design is, if it transmits without proper authorization, you risk causing interference, breaking international law, or even getting your satellite’s signal jammed, ignored, or shut down.
Let’s break it down, carefully, step by step. From one newcomer to another.
Why Frequency Matters
All communication satellites—no matter how small—need to transmit and receive radio signals. Whether it’s a simple beacon or a full data stream, those signals travel on specific frequencies measured in Hertz (Hz). And just like roads or airspace, frequencies are shared infrastructure.
Too many signals on the same band cause interference. Critical systems—aviation, emergency services, military ops—might also use overlapping frequencies. That’s why governments and international bodies manage the spectrum carefully.
And that’s why, as a satellite operator, you can’t just pick a frequency and go.
Who’s in Charge?
The answer depends on where you're operating from and who your satellite talks to.
National Regulators – In the United States, for example, it’s the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you're launching from or operating in a country, you’ll likely need their approval—even if your satellite spends most of its time in space.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – This UN agency coordinates global spectrum usage. Even small satellites must be registered to avoid interference on an international scale.
Amateur Radio Bands – Some small satellite projects (like many university or experimental missions) use amateur radio frequencies. These require different permissions and usually a licensed operator onboard the team.
At Interstellar Communication Holdings Inc. in the United States, we followed both national and ITU guidelines for our PocketQube HADES‑ICM. We used legal, pre-allocated bands and made sure amateur radio communities were notified early—part of our commitment to transparency and collaboration.
What Beginners Get Wrong
Honestly? A lot. But not out of malice—just inexperience.
Here are some common mistakes:
Assuming a frequency is free just because no one nearby is using it.
Using amateur bands for commercial purposes (big no).
Skipping ITU coordination, thinking "We're just a student project.”
Transmitting before a license is granted, hoping no one will notice.
Don’t do this.
Even small violations can trigger legal action, fines, or satellite silencing. Remember: ground stations around the world are always listening.
What’s the Process Like?
It varies by country, but generally, you’ll need to:
Identify your frequency band: Choose based on your satellite’s function—UHF, VHF, S-band, X-band, etc.
File with your national regulator: Prepare technical specs, orbital data, and communication plans.
Coordinate internationally (if required): This may involve the ITU or liaison agencies.
Wait: Approvals can take weeks to months, depending on complexity.
Test and verify: Before launch, ensure your satellite only uses the approved frequencies and power levels.
Stay compliant post-launch: If your satellite misbehaves, regulators can (and do) intervene.
It might sound daunting, but there are resources out there—including mentorship programs, templates, and advisors. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Making the Case for Compliance
It’s tempting to view regulation as bureaucracy. And sure, sometimes it feels that way.
But viewed another way, licensing is part of what makes space sustainable. It prevents signal chaos. It ensures fairness. And it gives your mission legitimacy—so others will take it seriously, support it, and maybe even help it thrive.
We’ve found this at Interstellar Communication Holdings Inc. Our compliance efforts helped us form partnerships with global amateur radio communities, get reception reports from unexpected places, and build trust with regulators and collaborators alike.
This approach, in part, is also why we’re proud to be a nominee at the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted in London this November by the International Trade Council. It’s an event that brings together not just space companies, but visionaries across sectors who understand that long-term success requires structure, openness, and cooperation.
Frequency compliance? It’s just one thread in that much larger conversation.
Final Thought
It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of launching hardware into orbit. But the most successful space missions? They don’t just fly well. They play well with others.
Understanding frequency licensing may not be glamorous—but it’s essential. It keeps your satellite talking, your mission safe, and your project respected.
So if you’re new to the space world, start early. Ask questions. Do the paperwork. Build your mission not just for space—but for the world it connects to.
Because up there, signals travel far. And so do mistakes.