S 1962: Secure Space Act of 2026

S 1962 in plain English: This bill would bar the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from issuing satellite licenses, earth station authorizations, or U.S. market access to foreign entities whose communications equipment or services are deemed a national security risk, as well as their affiliates. It targets companies already on the FCC's existing list of prohibited equipment and service providers, which currently includes firms such as Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corporation.

Stated purpose

This bill aims to protect U.S. national security by preventing the FCC from granting satellite licenses, earth station authorizations, or U.S. market access to foreign companies and their affiliates that have already been identified as posing an unacceptable risk to national security.

Key points

• Prohibits the FCC from granting satellite licenses or earth station authorizations to foreign entities on its national security risk list.
• Also blocks U.S. market access for foreign-licensed satellites tied to those entities or their affiliates.
• Applies to companies already listed on the FCC's 'Covered List,' including Huawei and ZTE.

Arguments supporters make

• Companies already deemed national security risks on the ground should not be allowed to operate satellites that could intercept or disrupt U.S. communications from space.
• Extending existing telecom security rules to satellites closes a clear gap, since the original law addressed ground-based networks but did not explicitly cover satellite systems.
• Blocking these entities at the licensing stage is more effective than trying to remove them after they have already built infrastructure and gained access to the U.S. market.

Arguments opponents make

• Restricting market access for foreign satellite operators could reduce competition, potentially raising costs or limiting service choices for American consumers and businesses.
• The bill applies a broad affiliate definition — any entity with as little as 10 percent common ownership — which could sweep in companies with only indirect ties to Covered List entities and create uncertainty for global satellite operators.
• Critics may argue the FCC already has tools to evaluate and deny licenses on security grounds, making a rigid statutory prohibition unnecessary and less flexible than case-by-case review.

Tradeoffs

Tightening satellite market security by excluding Covered List entities and their affiliates may reduce the risk of foreign surveillance or interference, but it also limits market competition and could restrict options for consumers and businesses that rely on satellite services.

Current status in Congress: Passed Senate.

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