The Communications Law Blog reports that the Federal Communications Commission wants to make the process of launching smaller satellites into orbit easier. Instead of the long forms of bureaucratic paperwork to fill out, smaller satellites, 180 kilograms or less, would get a streamline process under the proposal. A single small satellite license would cover up to ten satellites over five years. The rules mandate any satellite launched into an orbit higher than the International Space Station, must have a propulsion system to maneuver if needed. The new small satellite licensing requirements also include: no risk of human casualty on re-entry; risk of collision with large objects must be less than 0.001; no satellites smaller than a 4 x 4 x 4 inch CubeSat; the satellites’ radios must be able to be shut off from the ground; and satellites include a unique telemetry marker. There are no comment or reply dates for the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking yet, so stay tuned.