Audacy receives FCC license for commercial inter-satellite data relay network. Photo Credit: Audacy

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted a license to Audacy that authorizes the space communications company operate the world’s first commercial inter-satellite data relay network.

The data relay network will utilize two ground stations, in San Francisco and Singapore, as well as three Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites scheduled to launch in 2019. With this network, Audacy hopes the spectrum will be able to provide real-time downlink, continuous monitoring, and always-on command services to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) spacecraft.

Along with the Audacy license, the FCC has also granted O3b’s request to modify its existing U.S. market access grant by adding new non-geostationary satellites and new frequency bands to provide broadband communication services in the U.S.