Deadline: March 6, 2026 at 11:59pm PST
Why this matters
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency responsible for authorizing satellite launches and operations, is reviewing two proposals of unprecedented scale and consequence. If approved, they would alter the night sky as we know it, with impacts that would be increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to reverse.
Both proposals are currently open for public comment, making this a critical moment for public engagement as the FCC considers satellite proliferation at unprecedented scales and technologies that pose serious risks to the nighttime environment.
Steps to Take
Public comment period now open
The comment period for the SpaceX proceeding closes on March 6, while the Reflect Orbital comment period closes on March 9. We strongly encourage submitting comments as early as possible.
While the FCC process can seem technical at first glance, we’ve done the hard work to make this as straightforward as possible. With the steps and templates below, you can submit a comment in as little as 15 minutes.
These proposals are being reviewed under separate FCC applications, and comments must be submitted to the correct file number to be considered.
- Reflect Orbital application file number: SAT-LOA-20250701-00129
- SpaceX application file number: SAT-LOA-20260108-00016
We encourage advocates, community partners, and members of the public to submit comments to one or both proceedings.
Step-by-step: How to submit a public comment to the FCC
You can submit comments on one or both proposals by following the steps below. The process is the same for each application; the key difference is the file number you select.
Step 1: Create an FCC CORES account
Go to https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do and click Register to create a free account using your email address. Complete the verification process to activate your account.
Step 2: Log in to the FCC filing system (ICFS)
Visit https://fccprod.servicenowservices.com/ibfs and log in using your CORES username and password.
Step 3: Find the application
Enter the application’s file number in the search box and open the application page.
- Reflect Orbital proposal: SAT-LOA-20250701-00129
- SpaceX proposal: SAT-LOA-20260108-00016
Step 4: Prepare your comment
Write your comment, clearly stating your position. Include your name and contact information, and save the document as a PDF. We’ve provided templates and sample language to help you get started:
Step 5: Upload your comment (important selections)
From the application page, select Pleadings and Comments from the top banner. This may prompt you to log in again using the same credentials. Once logged in, complete the submission form as follows:
- Select No for the Committee filing question
- Choose Comment as the pleading type
- Leave the FRN field blank and enter Responding as an Individual for Company
- Enter your contact information (anonymous comments are not allowed)
- Enter and select the correct file number
Reflect Orbital proposal: SAT-LOA-20250701-00129
SpaceX proposal: SAT-LOA-20260108-00016 - Select No for confidential treatment
- Attach your PDF and label it Public Comment on File No. [file number]
Step 6: Submit and confirm
Click Submit, confirm the success message, and save your receipt for your records.