The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a guidance to clarify requirements for space satellite operators under its orbital debris mitigation rules.
In an Order on Reconsideration issued at the end of January, the Commission addresses a number of questions posed by satellite operators and other petitioners about its debris mitigation requirements. Specifically, the Order addresses questions dealing with satellite maneuverability disclosure requirements and the use of “free-flying” deployment devices.
The Order also offers guidance on methods that can be used by satellite operators to conduct re-contact risk analyses, as well as its requirements for assessing and limiting the release of persistent liquids in space.
These latest actions by the Commission are intended to support continued investment and innovation on the deployment of space-based services, consistent with its Space Innovation agenda, while also taking steps to advance space safety.
Read the FCC’s Order on Reconsideration on orbital space debris.
