S. 1962, the Secure Space Act of 2026, passed the Senate on September 23, 2026.
S. 1962 — Secure Space Act of 2026
What it does
This bill amends the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to prohibit the FCC from granting licenses, market access, or earth station authorizations for satellite systems if the applicant is on the FCC's "Covered List" (entities deemed security risks, typically foreign-controlled companies) or is affiliated with such an entity. The FCC must issue implementing rules within one year. The effect is to bar designated foreign or hostile-linked entities from operating satellite infrastructure in U.S. airspace or accessing the U.S. market.
Quorum's transparency scan gave Secure Space Act of 2026 a moderate transparency flag.
What happens next
S. 1962 passed the Senate. It now moves to the other chamber.
Who is behind it
Filed by Deb Fischer. Cosponsored by Ben Luján.
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