Policy & Politics
FCC approves new orbital debris rule
The FCC adopted a new rule Sept. 29 that will shorten the time for satellite operators to deorbit low Earth orbit satellites from 25 to 5 years.
House committee questions FCC orbital debris rule
Ahead of a Federal Communications Commission vote on a proposal to set a five-year deadline for deorbiting low Earth orbit satellites, leaders of the House Science Committee are questioning the FCC’s authority to do so.
Lamborn: ‘Merit on both sides’ of debate over Space National Guard
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), a key congressional proponent of establishing a Space National Guard, said he would consider an alternative proposal endorsed by Space Force leaders and by the Biden administration.
Lawmakers press Air Force for final decision on U.S. Space Command
Colorado’s senators in a Sept. 27 to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall argue that a final basing decision on U.S. Space Command needs to be made as soon as possible in light of the Ukraine conflict and China’s expansion in the Pacific
Artemis Accords signatories hold first meeting
Nations that have signed the U.S.-led Artemis Accords met in person for the first time Sept. 19 as an initial step to elaborate on the principles for safe and sustainable space exploration.
New report raises questions on DoD’s multi-orbit plan for space sensors
Aerospace Corp. report: 'The missile warning and tracking programs will weigh heavily in debates about the future of U.S. space systems'
France to increase space spending by 25%
France will increase spending on national and European space programs as the European Space Agency works to secure commitments for its own significant budget increase.
Congress asks for more transparency into New Shepard failure investigation
Leaders of the House space subcommittee have asked the Federal Aviation Administration for more details on its investigation into a Blue Origin New Shepard launch accident.
Japan, Germany declare moratorium on anti-satellite missile tests
Japan and Germany pledged this week not to conduct direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile testing, throwing their weight behind the U.S.-driven initiative launched in April to promote peaceful and safe use of outer space.
ESA seeks major funding increase at ministerial
ESA will seek a roughly 25% increase in funding from member states this fall despite economic and geopolitical challenges in Europe.
White House requests proposals for regulating novel commercial space activities
The White House will ask federal agencies for their proposals for how to authorize and supervise emerging commercial space capabilities that don’t fit into current regulatory regimes.
U.S. to introduce U.N. resolution on ASAT testing ban
The United States will introduce a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly this month calling for a halt on direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) testing.
FAA and NTSB reach new agreement on commercial space investigations
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have signed a new agreement outlining their roles investigating commercial space accidents.
Commerce and Defense Departments sign agreement on space traffic management cooperation
The Departments of Commerce and Defense have signed an agreement to cooperate on transferring responsibility for civil and commercial space traffic management.
FCC to set five-year deadline for deorbiting LEO satellites
The FCC wants to require operators of low Earth orbit satellites to deorbit their spacecraft within five years after their mission ends, a much shorter timeframe than currently required.
