Leading satellite television company, Dish Network, has been fined $150,000 for improper disposal of one of its satellites, marking a seminal instance of US federal regulators imposing a penalty for space debris.
CNN reports that this is a pioneering case where the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the body governing space telecommunication services, concluded its investigation into Dish Network by enforcing a monetary penalty. The FCC highlighted that “this is the first application of the space debris rule, which has intensified efforts regarding satellite regulation,” as per their press release.
The case specifics point out that Dish Network failed to relocate a satellite to the so-called disposal orbit – a region designated for decommissioned satellites to prevent collisions with operational ones.
CNN underscores that space debris is escalating as a significant issue for satellite operators, with an estimated 700,000 pieces of space waste, larger than one centimeter, already orbiting Earth. This landmark case and subsequent fine may signify a stepping stone towards more stringent regulation of satellite disposal and space waste management.