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 the last few years. The FCC said the SpaceBees' 10cm x 10cm x 2.8cm size made them a hazard to other devices, has withdrawn permission for a follow-up launch, and cast doubt on a future mission.
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 The FCC said the SpaceBees' 10cm x 10cm x 2.8cm size made them a hazard to other devices, has withdrawn permission for a follow-up launch, and cast doubt on a future mission.