The US Federal Communications Commission has unanimously adopted new rules for satellite operators. These require companies to provide accurate and timely data on the location of their satellites so that space traffic management specialists can better assess the risk of collisions. The decision is also expected to speed up and reduce the cost of licensing satellite systems.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n There are over 18,000 active and inactive satellites in Earth\u2019s orbit. Their number has more than doubled in six years, with the vast majority of them operating in low Earth orbit.<\/p>\n Objects in space are currently tracked using telescopes and radar systems operated by public and private organisations. Such systems have their limitations, whereas operators of active satellites may have more up-to-date information about their locations and manoeuvres.<\/p>\n The new FCC requirements stipulate that operators must transmit this data to government space situational awareness agencies or to tracking companies designated by the Commission. This should make it easier to assess the risks in the event of a potential close encounter between spacecraft.<\/p>\n President of the Satellite Industry Association Tom Straup<\/strong> He described the swift introduction of regulations as essential in light of companies\u2019 plans to launch ever-larger satellite constellations. At the same time, he noted that little had yet been done in the areas of sustainable use of space and collision avoidance.<\/p>\n The rules were also backed by business representatives. The Vice-President of LeoLabs Adam Marsh<\/strong> said that most operators have already been willing to share data in real time in recent years, and that making the requirements mandatory could make this practice widespread.<\/p>\n However, two leading members of the US House of Representatives Committee on Science \u2014 a Republican Brian Babin<\/strong> and a Democrat Zoe Lofgren<\/strong> \u2014 In February, they called on the FCC to amend or repeal the rules. In their view, federal legislation does not grant the Commission clear powers to regulate space safety and the management of space traffic. Ahead of the vote, they also asked FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to postpone it.<\/p>\n\n
The data should fill the gaps in tracking<\/h2>\n
The industry has backed the demands, but Congress is questioning the powers involved<\/h2>\n
From telecoms regulation to orbital surveillance<\/h2>\n