S. 1648 · 118th Congress · 2023–2024
Launch Communications Act
S. 1648 in the 118th Congress (2023–2024) became law — introduced on May 17, 2023, sponsored by Eric Schmitt with 1 co-sponsors.
During the 118th Congress (2023–2024), Joe Biden was president, and Republicans held the House majority and Democrats the Senate majority.
- Status
- Became law
- Introduced
- May 17, 2023
- Co-sponsors
- 1
- Policy area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Public law
- Public Law 118-85
What it does
Launch Communications Act This act requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to facilitate access to specified broadband spectrum frequencies for commercial space launches and reentries. Under current law, commercial missions launching from the United States to space must use government-owned spectrum to communicate with the rockets during launch, and private companies must apply to the FCC to receive special tempor…
Summary by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.
Sponsor
Eric Schmitt (R-MO). Co-sponsors: 1 Democrat.
Where it stands
- IntroducedMay 17, 2023
- Passed the SenateOct 31, 2023
- Passed the HouseSep 17, 2024
- Sent to the PresidentSep 24, 2024
- Became lawSep 26, 2024
Latest action: Became Public Law No: 118-85. (Sep 26, 2024)
More bills from Eric Schmitt in the 118th Congress
Other Science, Technology, Communications bills in the 118th Congress
- H.R. 1734: Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality Research Act of 2023
- S. 2787: 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement Act
- H.R. 8663: Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of Fentanyl and Xylazine Act…
- S. 1409: Kids Online Safety Act
- H.R. 1715: Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act
- H.R. 2739: Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act of 2023
- H.R. 2988: DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act
- H.R. 4002: Relieving Economic Strain to Enhance American Resilience and Competitiveness in Higher Education…
- H.R. 4122: Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act
- H.R. 4227: ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023
Committees
More
From GovInfo bill records, Congressional Research Service summaries, Voteview roll calls and lobbying reports.
Cite or embed this page
Capitol Receipts, “S. 1648 (118th Congress): Launch Communications Act,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/bill/118-s-1648/launch-communications-act (accessed 2026-10-13).