Sen Fischer Introduces Legislation to Secure America’s Satellite Systems

Sen Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan Secure Space Act of 2025. The legislation aims to strengthen America’s national security by preventing foreign adversaries from accessing and compromising America’s satellite systems. Sen Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) is co-leading the bill. Companion legislation—sponsored by Reps Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Brett Guthrie (R-KY)—passed the U.S. House on April 28, 2025. The Secure Space Act of 2025 prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from granting satellite licenses or U.S. market access for foreign-licensed satellite systems to any entity or its affiliates that produce or provide communications equipment or services deemed a national security risk. It amends the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to extend this prohibition to both geostationary and non-geostationary orbit satellite systems and includes gateway stations within its scope. It applies to new licenses and authorizations issued after the bill's enactment and requires the FCC to establish implementing regulations within one year.