---
kind: "section"
citation: "47 U.S.C. § 702"
title: "47"
title_heading: "Telecommunications"
number: "702"
heading: "Definitions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/47/702"
units:
  - "Chapter 6 — Communications Satellite System"
  - "Subchapter I — General Provisions"
---

# §702. Definitions


As used in this chapter, and unless the context otherwise requires—

- (1) the term “communications satellite system” refers to a system of [communications satellites](#3) in space whose purpose is to relay [telecommunication](#6) information between [satellite terminal stations](#2), together with such [associated equipment and facilities](#4) for tracking, guidance, control, and command functions as are not part of the generalized launching, tracking, control, and command facilities for all space purposes;
- (2) the term “satellite terminal station” refers to a complex of communication equipment located on the earth’s surface, operationally connected with one or more terrestrial communication systems, and capable of transmitting [telecommunications](#6) to or receiving [telecommunications](#6) from a [communications satellite system](#1).[^1]
- (3) the term “communications satellite” means an earth satellite which is intentionally used to relay [telecommunication](#6) information;
- (4) the term “associated equipment and facilities” refers to facilities other than [satellite terminal stations](#2) and [communications satellites](#3), to be constructed and operated for the primary purpose of a [communications satellite system](#1), whether for [administration](#9) and management, for [research and development](#5), or for direct support of space operations;
- (5) the term “research and development” refers to the conception, design, and first creation of experimental or prototype operational devices for the operation of a [communications satellite system](#1), including the assembly of separate components into a working whole, as distinguished from the term “production,” which relates to the construction of such devices to fixed specifications compatible with repetitive duplication for operational applications; and[^2]
- (6) the term “telecommunication” means any transmission, emission or reception of signs, signals, writings, images, and sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic systems.[^1]
- (7) omitted;
- (8) the term “corporation” means the corporation authorized by subchapter III of this chapter.[^1]
- (9) the term “Administration” means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and
- (10) the term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. The period probably should be a semicolon.
[^2]: So in original. The word “and” probably should not appear.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 87–624, title I, § 103, Aug. 31, 1962, 76 Stat. 419.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Par. (7) of this section, which defined the term “communications common carrier”, ceased to be effective Apr. 15, 2005, pursuant to section 765d(4) of this title.