The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to unlock more wireless spectrum for ‌space-based connectivity, and, to quote the office of Chairman Brendan Carr, “weird space stuff.”

America’s communications regulator said it plans to move spectrum between the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz toward more intensive satellite use, with potentially more than 1,000-megahertz of total spectrum freed up for satellite broadband, earth stations, and related connectivity.

The FCC is also exploring opening up 1,450-megahertz of spectrum in the Ku- and Ka- bands, alongside 138.25-gigahertz in the D-band to support more intensive satellite communications. This may make Starlink happy after its parent firm SpaceX recently restated in an FCC application its interest in the Ku- and Ka- spectrum frequencies, alongside the V- and E-bands.

Carr and company also proposed expanding the spectrum for experimentation referring to next-generation space missions that don’t provide connectivity to the public: in-orbit servicing, refuelling, manufacturing, and lunar operations, for example.

A separate detail in its announcement regarding ultra-wideband technology (UWB) – as related to IoT and consumer devices – was not conflated with the space spectrum news, but it’s worth noting that NASA has used UWB for weirdo space shizzle like astronaut and rover tracking and communications, ISS inventory tracking, and close-range high-resolution monitoring of robotic systems.

“In the spectrum abundance decision, we will ensure that consumers continue to benefit from competitive, high-speed internet delivered from next-gen satellites,” Carr noted on the proposals.

The FCC’s new space focus follow a recent shake up of satellite licensing rules to create what was dubbed a “licensing assembly line” to help reduce approval timelines down from years into weeks.

Alongside that move, the FCC cleared spectrum ,including 160-megahertz in the upper C-band, for auction to telecom service providers while allowing SpaceX to purchase 65 megahertz of spectrum from EchoStar to support its growing Starlink direct-to-device (D2D) offering.

SpaceX isn’t hogging all the attention though, with AST SpaceMobile also recently granted cellular spectrum from telecom partners AT&T and Verizon.