US communications start - up Space Technologies has come under criticism from the Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) for what could be history 's first - ever unauthorised satellite launch . The complaint claims Swarm 's placement of four small satellites , dubbed SpaceBees , believed to be part of a constellation enabling an internet of communications network , did not have authorisation when they were carried into orbit by the Indian Space Agency in January . The FCC said the SpaceBees ' 10 cm x 10 cm x 2.8 cm size made them a hazard to other devices , has withdrawn permission for a follow - up launch , and cast doubt on a future mission .
US communications start-up Swarm Technologies has come under fire from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for what could be history's first-ever unauthorised satellite launch. The FCC claims Swarm's placement of four small satellites, dubbed SpaceBees, set to be part of a constellation enabling an internet of things network, did not have authorisation when they were carried into space by the Indian Space Agency in January. The FCC said the SpaceBees' 10cm x 10cm x 2.8cm size made them a hazard to other devices, has withdrawn permission for a follow-up launch, and cast doubt on a future mission.