The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued its first-ever fine against a satellite company for creating space debris. The company, Dish Network, LLC, was fined $900,000 for failing to comply with FCC rules regarding the disposal of obsolete satellites and space debris.
The creation and release of orbital debris is a serious issue, as it can harm other satellites, spacecraft, the International Space Station, and even human beings. The FCC is responsible for governing the proper disposal of communications satellites and has imposed fines in the past for noncompliance, but this is the first time a fine has been issued for creating space debris.
Dish Network was found in violation of the FCC’s regulations for the disposal of its retired EchoStar XVI and EchoStar XVII satellites. Dish Network failed to comply with disposal instructions, resulting in the creation of significant amounts of debris from those two obsolete satellites.
The FCC has not, as of yet, released details of the fine or the amount. But according to the agency’s order, Dish Network was fined $900,000 for the space debris created by its retired satellites. In addition to the fine, Dish Network was also ordered to develop and implement a plan that will ensure compliance with the FCC’s orbital debris and residue regulations in the future.
Hopefully, this fine will serve as a reminder to all satellite operators to adhere to the regulations in place and to ensure that no space debris is created by their actions or inactions. As the number of satellites in orbit continues to grow, the issue of space debris has become an increasingly pressing concern. And the irresponsible actions of one company can’t be allowed to put other satellites, astronauts, and people on Earth at risk.
The FCC’s enforcement of its orbital debris rules is a welcome step towards keeping our skies safe and clean. With this significant fine, the FCC has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that satellite operators will be held accountable for the safe disposal of their retired spacecraft.
