Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN 61
as quickly as possible, for actual operation of satellite telephones, television, and other
communication systems that will bring the world closer together.
I will appreciate your keeping me informed of the steps being taken toward that goal and
of tangible progress that is made.
Honorable Newton Minow
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C.
Document I-12
Sincerely,
[signed] John F. Kennedy
Document title: Ben F. Waple, Acting Secretary, Federal Communications Commission,
“An Inquiry Into the Administrative and Regulatory Problems Relating to the
Authorization of Commercially Operable Space Communications Systems: First Report,”
FCC Report 61-676, 4774, Docket No. 14024, May 24, 1961.
Source: NASA Historical Reference Collection, History Office, NASA Headquarters,
Washington, D.C.
On May 24, 1961, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), tasked with outlining the initial
policy to determine how the communications satellite system would operate, issued its “First
Report.” The FCC limited participation in the system to international communications carriers—
AT&T, ITT, RCA, and Western Union. This policy excluded aerospace and communications equipment
manufacturers and consequently provoked numerous complaints. Forced to respond to the
aerospace and communications equipment manufacturers’ objections, the FCC stated that such companies’
participation in the establishment of the system would be neither “necessary nor beneficial.”
This issue would later play a major role in the controversy over the Communications Satellite Act.
[475/1] Before the FCC 61-676
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 4774
Washington 25, D.C.
In the Matter of )
) Docket No. 14024
An Inquiry Into the Administrative and )
Regulatory Problems Relating to the )
Authorization of Commercially Operable )
Space Communications Systems )
By the Commission:
FIRST REPORT
1. On March 29, 1961, the Commission adopted a Notice of Inquiry (released on
April 3, 1961) designed to facilitate an early solution to the administrative and regulatory