How to Submit Comments on Satellite Applications to the FCC

Any member of the public can provide input to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as it considers satellite applications. The AAS believes that its individual members (in addition to the Society as a whole) should be able to voice concerns about any proposed satellite system that might be harmful to astronomy and the night sky. This process is also open to those outside the United States who may be impacted by a proposed system. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through how to submit comments on applications. 

1. Click this link to create an FCC CORES account.

To create an account on the FCC's COmmission REgistration System (CORES), you will need to enter an email address, choose a password, and provide your contact information. 

You should receive a verification email to finish setting up your account. If you do not receive it, you can request a new one here.

2. Click this link to log in to the FCC ICFS using your CORES credentials.

After opening the FCC International Communications Filing System (ICFS) webpage using the link above, click the "Log In" link at the upper right corner.

Enter the email address you used to register for CORES and your password.

3. Click on this link to open the "Pleadings and Comments" page to submit your comment.

You can also navigate here from the ICFS homepage. 

4. Submit your comment.

The form will ask for the following information:

1. Is this submission being filed on behalf of the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector (Committee)? Select "No".
2. Pleading Type: if you are submitting during the initial public comment period, select "COMMENT", if you are responding to a response from the applicant after the initial comment period, select "REPLY".
3. FRN: Leave blank.
4. Name and Contact Information: If you are responding as an individual, we recommend that you do not list your company, and instead write "Responding as an Individual" under Company.
5. Selected File Numbers: For Reflect Orbital, enter SAT-LOA-20250701-00129. If you are submitting comments to multiple filings, you will need to submit the form separately for each file number.
6. Is the filer requesting confidential treatment of an attachment(s) under section 0.459 of the Commission's rules? You can select "No" here.
7. Attach your comment using the "Attach file" button at the bottom of the page. The FCC is only required to respond to comments that are unique and substantial, so please explain how you might be impacted by the proposed satellite system. You can look at AAS statements on light pollution, satellite proliferation, and radio frequency interference for ideas. In the “Description of Attachment” box, provide a descriptive title for the attachment, such as “Public Comment on <file number>.”
8. Click the Submit button on the bottom or top right before the public comment period closes (30 March for reply comments to Reflect Orbital).

Thank you for making your voice heard in the regulatory process! Please email [email protected] if you have any questions about this process.