Rosenworcel Proposes Updated Orbital Debris Rules

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2024 – Jessica Rosenworcel, chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission, proposed new orbital debris mitigation rules Wednesday that would require satellite applicants to meet a specific, quantitative metric to limit the risks of accidental explosions.

If the proposed rules are implemented, the FCC would require satellite applicants to evaluate and reduce the likelihood of debris-generating accidental explosions to less than 1 in 1,000, or 0.1%, per satellite.