FCC Issues First Ever Fine for Space Junk

  NASA

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a fine to Dish Network for leaving space debris in Earth’s orbit. This marks the first time a company has been fined for such an offense.

Dish Network Fined for Space Debris

Dish Network, a US satellite television provider, has been fined $150,000 (£125,000) by the FCC for its failure to adequately move an old satellite away from others in operation. The company accepted responsibility for the issue, which pertains to its EchoStar-7 satellite, and has agreed to a “compliance plan” with the FCC.

Space junk, officially known as space debris, refers to out-of-use technology left in orbit around the Earth. These discarded remnants pose risk of collisions and include old satellites and spacecraft components. The FCC pointed out that the EchoStar-7 satellite, launched in 2002 and now in geostationary orbit, poses a potential risk to other satellites at its current altitude.

EchoStar-7’s Insufficient Movement

Dish Network was supposed to move the EchoStar-7 satellite an additional 186 miles away from Earth. However, by the end of its operational life in 2022, the company had only managed to move it 76 miles due to fuel shortage.

Loyaan Egal, FCC enforcement bureau chief, emphasized the importance of satellite operators fulfilling their commitments. This fine is seen as a precedent-setting settlement, highlighting the FCC’s strong enforcement authority and capacity to enforce its critical space debris rules.

Impact on the Satellite Industry

While the $150,000 fine is a small fraction of Dish Network’s overall revenue, which stood at $16.7bn in 2022, it could still influence other satellite operators. Dr. Megan Argo, a senior lecturer in astrophysics at the University of Central Lancashire, believes that the FCC’s decision to use its regulatory powers for the first time will likely draw the attention of the rest of the industry.

As the number of objects in orbit increases, so does the risk of high-speed debris from collisions. This debris can potentially hit other satellites, leading to more debris and possibly triggering a cascade reaction.

The Growing Problem of Space Debris

More than 10,000 satellites have been launched into space since 1957, and over half of them are now out of use. NASA estimates there are over 25,000 pieces of space debris measuring over 10cm long.

NASA chief Bill Nelson has previously voiced concerns about space junk being a “major problem”. Even small debris, like a paint chip moving at orbital speed, could pose a fatal threat to astronauts. The issue has even necessitated the repositioning of the International Space Station to avoid passing debris.