FCC: Mitigating Orbital Debris by Shortening Time for Satellite Disposal

Full Title: Mitigating Orbital Debris by Shortening Time for Satellite Disposal Post-Mission
Document Type(s): Public Draft
Bureau(s): Media Relations, Office of Chairwoman Rosenworcel

Description:

This is not a final, adopted action. This has been circulated for tentative consideration by the Commission at its Open Meeting. The issues referenced and the Commission’s ultimate resolution of those issues are subject to change

FCC FACT SHEET

Space Innovation; Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age Second Report and Order, IB Docket Nos. 22-271 and 18-313

Background: It is widely recognized that the growing challenge of orbital debris poses a significant risk to our nation’s space ambitions. There are more than 4,800 satellites currently operating in orbit as of the end of last year, and projections for future growth in satellites suggest that there are many more to come. As the number of objects in space increases, so too does the probability of collision. Currently, it is recommended that operators with satellites in low-Earth orbit ensure that their spacecraft will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere within 25 years following the completion of their mission. As part of our continued efforts to mitigate the generation of orbital debris, the Second Report and Order would shorten the timeframe required for satellite post-mission disposal to five years.

What the Second Report and Order Would Do:

• Adopt a “five-year rule,” which would require space station operators planning disposal through uncontrolled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere to complete disposal as soon as practicable, and no more than five years following the end of mission.

• Specify that the new regulations apply to space stations ending their missions in or passing through the low-Earth orbit region below 2,000 kilometers.

• Apply the requirement to both U.S.-licensed satellites and systems, and non-U.S.-licensed satellites and systems seeking U.S. market access, under part 25 of the Commission’s rules.

• Adopt a companion requirement for entities applying for part 5 experimental licenses for satellites or seeking to deploy amateur satellites under part 97 of the Commission’s rules.

• Specify a grandfathering period of two years for the new requirement to reduce any potential burden on operators.

• Address the potential for waivers for certain types of research and scientific missions.

• This document is being released as part of a “permit-but-disclose” proceeding. Any presentations or views on the subject expressed to the Commission or its staff, including by email, must be filed in IB Docket Nos. 22-271 and 18- 313, which may be accessed via the Electronic Comment Filing System (http://www.fcc.gov/ecfs). Before filing, participants should familiarize themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules, including the general prohibition on presentations (written and oral) on matters listed on the Sunshine Agenda, which is typically released a week prior to the Commission’s Meeting. See 47 CFR § 1.1200 et seq.

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