Dish Network, a popular broadcast satellite provider, has received a historic fine of $150,000 from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) due to its failure to adequately deorbit one of its satellites, resulting in orbital debris. This marks the first-ever space-debris enforcement measure taken by the agency. FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal emphasized the need for operators to comply with their commitments as satellite operations become more prevalent and the space economy continues to grow. He called the settlement a breakthrough, demonstrating the FCC’s strong enforcement authority in ensuring compliance with vital space debris rules.
The satellite in question, EchoStar-7, was launched by DISH in 2002. Dish Network submitted an orbital mitigation plan in 2012, which was approved by the FCC. The plan dictated that at the end of its mission, the satellite would be brought to an altitude of 186 miles above its operational geostationary arc. DISH anticipated that the de-orbiting process would commence in May 2022. However, in February of that year, it was discovered that the satellite had very little propellant remaining, rendering it unable to adhere to its original plan. Consequently, DISH retired the satellite at a disposal orbit approximately 72 miles above the geostationary arc, significantly shorter than the specified 186-mile disposal orbit outlined in the orbital debris mitigation plan. The FCC stated that at this lower altitude, the defunct satellite poses a potential threat to other orbiting objects.
It is the FCC’s responsibility to license radio frequencies used by satellites and ensure that satellite operators handle their debris appropriately. Earlier this year, the agency established a Space Bureau to regulate the growing satellite industry and address the issue of space clutter. According to the European Space Agency, there are currently 34,580 tracked pieces of space debris, with numerous smaller fragments also posing hazards.
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