Is it legal to send/transmit one-way signals to space?

Question

Before you tell me about how all Radio,TV, satellite transmissions/signals are unwittingly sent (leaked) to space as well, let me clarify my question. ... What I am asking is: Can you "legally" transmit signals to deep space without them being meant to be picked up on Earth by a receiver (i.e. a TV, a radio, a satellite, etc.)? Or is there a law against a one-way transmission to space? ... Also, do you need an FCC license of sorts to transmit signals to deep space? Serious answers only please. In other words, kindly refrain from cute, "ET call home" commentaries :-)

Answer 1

You seem to recognize that ANY transmission is a one-way EM signal to space. What I'm not sure you recognize is that ALL EM signals are "thrown out", and only if a receiver is specifically designed to pick up the frequency can the transmission be received.

So I think what you're really asking is can you transmit an EM signal without an FCC license? The issue is that the EM spectrum is EXTREMELY crowded and very specific wavelengths are specified for different purposes. For example, a specific bandwidth is dedicated to FM radio. Stations then buy FCC licenses to transmit on specific frequencies within that bandwidth. 106.7 MHz in LA is dedicated to KROQ. The transmitter is located in LA - outside of the transmitting range, the same frequency can be allocated to another station (say, San Diego). On the other hand, if you're in LA and you want to transmit your signal into deep space at 106.7 MHz, you will disrupt people trying to listen to KROQ. That's illegal. As expected, the government "owns" large bandwidths at several locations within the EM spectrum for national defense and public use.

I'm no expert, but I do know you can transmit on HAM radio frequencies. This bandwidth is specifically dedicated to amatures who simply want to transmit whatever they want. Which means someone MAY pick up what you want to send, but they may not - you can send whatever you want (as long as you don't violate any other laws, like terrorist threats or child pornography). I don't know if you have to register with the FCC to use the HAM radio frequencies. My guess is that you probably do.

There are frequencies that are not controlled by the government. If you want to buy a small laser pointer and start flashing Morse code into the heavens, you can do that. But in the US the EM spectrum is tightly controlled by the FCC.

Answer 2

It would depend what part of the radio frequency spectrum you use in the U.S. Most of it is regulated by the FCC; an unlicensed operator or one who is in violation of FCC regulations is at some risk of having his transmitter confiscated IF he interferes with the authorized use of band on which he's transmitting. That being said, lots of "ham" operators are into "moon-bounce" transmissions, where they literally use the earth's moon as their communications satellite (it takes a LOT of power). Ham operators are generally limited to 1500 watts of power. That may not sound like much, but my own handheld tranceiver only requires 5 watts of power, so 1500 can be a lot. It's not a question of whether you intend the signals to be received, but whether you interfere with the legally-assigned usage of the frequency you've chosen that really matters, and most transmissions of any real power do require some sort of license to produce, except in an emergency situation. I'm including a link to the FCC's frequency allocation chart to give you a better idea of what's going on out there in the "ether" ;-)

Answer 3

I think, if you are using a transmitter powerful enough to send a one way signal into space, the FCC may require you to have a license as there is no way to contain the signal from being heard by anyone else here on Earth.

Answer 4

Any Radio Frequency signal powerful enough to broadcast into space will require an F.C.C. license. Not to mention a transmitter/antenna system powerful enough. Have you considered even what frequency and modulation method will be used.

Answer 5

There's so much other traffic going through the air, that I doubt they'd care if you sent a transmission. Are you a visitor from above? WIll you take me with you? I'm serious!

Answer 6

FCC license is necessary I believe, like previous guys said it could interfere with govt. or military operations

Answer 7

Maybe you'll get a signal back with an answer from whoever???monitors that sort of thing

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Just out of curiosity, are you wearing a tinfoil hat right now?

Answer 10

u need a license....copyright of wat u gona put up there...and if u interact with government or military signals...u could go to jail. look it up......