Scoop! Silicon Valley start-up Swarm Technologies gets slammed by the FCC for launching unauthorized satellites that could endanger other spacecraft. Four tiny CubeSats flew on January’s PSLV mission after FCC denied permission spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/aero… 
Previously unknown Swarm, still in stealth mode, is planning an orbital satellite network for use by IOT devices anywhere in the world, promising “orders of magnitude” cheaper comms, with light, cheap data relay platforms. swarm-technologies.com
But Swarm’s 0.25U satellites were too small for the FCC, which denied launch permission citing concerns about tracking and collision avoidance. Apparently, Swarm launched anyway. I think this would be the first unauthorized launch of commercial satellites ever.
FCC has now revoked Swarm’s authorization for its next launch: four 1U satellites due on @rocketlab mission in April. FCC now needs to “assess... Swarm’s qualifications to be a Commission licensee.” Upcoming trials with two Fortune 100 cos & US military could also be in jeopardy
So @RocketLab tells me the manifest for their next flight is still being finalized and that "Rocket Lab will not launch spacecraft that do not have the relevant regulatory approvals or licenses."
