How to Keep Earth’s Orbits Safe: A Proposal

Introduction

The vast expanse of Earth’s orbit, once considered limitless, is becoming increasingly crowded. For decades, humanity has launched satellites and spacecraft, leaving behind a growing legacy of defunct objects, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions. This accumulating “space debris” poses a tangible and escalating threat to active satellites, future space missions, and even human safety. Recognizing this increasingly urgent issue, a strawman proposal for new legislation has been developed to establish a proactive approach to managing and remediating orbital debris.

If you feel this strawman proposal has merit, please share with your Congressional representatives.

The Challenge of Orbital Debris

Space debris encompasses any human-made object in orbit that no longer serves a useful purpose. This can range from entire non-functional satellites and discarded rocket bodies to tiny paint flakes. Traveling at immense speeds—tens of thousands of miles per hour—even small pieces of debris carry significant kinetic energy, capable of causing severe damage or complete destruction to operational spacecraft upon impact.

The consequences of such collisions are far-reaching. They can disrupt vital services on Earth, including communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and scientific research. More concerning, each collision generates thousands of new, smaller fragments, exacerbating the problem in a cascading effect known as the Kessler Syndrome. This scenario could eventually render certain orbital regions unusable, jeopardizing future access to space for all nations.

Current Approaches and Their Limitations

For some time, the international community has recognized the importance of mitigating space debris. Guidelines exist that encourage satellite operators to plan for the deorbiting of their spacecraft within a certain timeframe, typically 25 years, after their mission concludes. While these guidelines help prevent the creation of new long-lived debris, they do not address the vast amount of debris already present in orbit. Existing mitigation efforts, while valuable, are insufficient to clean up the current orbital environment or to prevent future collisions involving existing debris. This gap highlights the need for dedicated active debris removal capabilities.

Introducing the Proposed Legislation

The strawman proposal is titled “Space Debris Mitigation and Remediation Act of 2025” and introduces a novel framework to address the space debris challenge directly. It establishes a financial mechanism to fund active debris removal operations and incentivizes responsible behavior from satellite operators.

The Upfront Launch Fee

A central component of this legislation is the requirement for any company or organization planning to launch a satellite to pay an upfront fee. Importantly, these fees will apply retroactively to satellites already in Earth orbit as of the Act’s effective date, in addition to new satellites launched thereafter. This retroactive application ensures that the fund has resources to address existing debris, which constitutes a significant portion of the current orbital threat. It acknowledges that all entities contributing to the orbital environment share a collective responsibility for its long-term health and accessibility.

Purpose of the Fee

The fees collected are not punitive. Instead, they serve a vital purpose: to support the operations of a new Active Debris Removal Organization (ADRO) and its associated assets. This organization would be responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and ultimately removing the most hazardous pieces of debris from orbit. By pooling resources from all launching entities, the legislation ensures a sustainable funding stream for these expensive and complex operations, which benefit the entire space community.

Incentivizing Responsible Deorbiting

The legislation also includes a clever incentive: a partial refund mechanism. If a satellite deorbits prior to a specified “legislative deorbit date” after its mission ends, a portion of the upfront fee can be refunded to the launching entity. The legislative deorbit date is a predefined timeframe, based on orbital parameters and best practices, by which a satellite is expected to naturally fall out of orbit or be moved to a graveyard orbit.

This refund system encourages operators to design and implement their satellites with effective deorbiting capabilities. It rewards those who take proactive steps to ensure their spacecraft leave orbit promptly and safely, thereby reducing the chances of their defunct satellites becoming future debris. The refund amount would depend on how much earlier the satellite deorbits compared to its expected date, offering a clear financial benefit for early and controlled deorbiting. This mechanism applies to both newly launched satellites and existing ones for which a fee is retroactively applied.

Calculating the Fee

The specific amount of the upfront fee will be determined by the Active Debris Removal Organization in consultation with relevant federal agencies. The fee calculation will consider several factors, including:

• The mass of the satellite.
• The intended orbital altitude and inclination.
• The projected natural orbital lifetime of the satellite.
• The estimated cost of potentially removing a similar object if it were to become debris.

The ADRO will be required to publish its methodology for fee calculation, ensuring transparency and predictability for launching entities.

The Active Debris Removal Organization (ADRO)

The proposed legislation calls for the establishment of an independent, non-profit Active Debris Removal Organization (ADRO). This organization would be the cornerstone of the new system, managing the Space Debris Remediation Fund and overseeing all active debris removal efforts.

Role and Structure

The ADRO would be governed by a diverse Board of Directors. This board would include representatives from various government agencies involved in space, members of the commercial space industry, and independent experts in space safety and orbital mechanics. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that the organization’s decisions reflect a broad range of perspectives and expertise.

Key Responsibilities

The ADRO’s functions would include:

• Fund Administration: Managing the Space Debris Remediation Fund to ensure its financial health and proper allocation of resources.
• Debris Cataloging: Developing and maintaining a comprehensive list of orbital debris objects that require active removal.
• Target Prioritization: Identifying and prioritizing which debris objects pose the greatest risk or offer the most benefit for removal, based on factors like collision probability and environmental impact.
• Contracting for Services: Engaging qualified commercial companies to perform the actual active debris removal operations. This fosters a competitive market for ADR technologies and services.
• Research and Development: Supporting and conducting research into new and more efficient technologies for active debris removal.
• International Cooperation: Working with international partners to promote global efforts in space debris mitigation and remediation.
• Reporting: Publishing annual reports detailing its activities, financial status, and progress in reducing orbital debris.

The Space Debris Remediation Fund

The legislation establishes a dedicated “Space Debris Remediation Fund” within the U.S. Treasury. This fund is the financial engine for the entire initiative.

Funding Sources

The fund will draw from several sources to ensure its sustainability:

• Upfront Launch Fees: The primary source of income will be the fees collected from launching entities as described earlier, including those applied retroactively.
• Congressional Appropriations: Additional funds may be provided through direct appropriations from Congress.
• Gifts and Donations: The ADRO will be able to accept gifts, grants, or donations from interested parties.
• Investment Earnings: Any interest earned on the fund’s investments will also contribute to its growth.

Allocation of Funds

The money in the Space Debris Remediation Fund will be used exclusively for purposes related to active debris removal and the ADRO’s operations. These uses include:

• Active Debris Removal Operations: Directly funding the missions to remove debris, including payments to commercial service providers.
• Research and Development: Investing in the advancement of technologies needed for effective debris removal.
• Administrative Expenses: Covering the operational costs of the ADRO itself.
• Refunds: Providing the partial fee refunds to launching entities that meet the deorbiting criteria.
• Public Education: Supporting initiatives to raise awareness about space debris and the importance of its management.

Ensuring Compliance

To ensure the effectiveness of this legislation, compliance measures are built into the system.

Launch Licensing

A key enforcement mechanism is the requirement that no license for a satellite launch will be issued by federal agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), unless the launching entity can demonstrate that the upfront fee has been paid to the Space Debris Remediation Fund for both new and existing satellites under their responsibility. This makes fee payment a prerequisite for accessing orbital space.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The ADRO, in collaboration with relevant federal agencies, will have the authority to establish civil penalties for any non-compliance with the Act’s provisions. This could include situations such as failure to pay the required fees or providing inaccurate information regarding a satellite’s deorbiting capabilities.

Benefits of the Legislation

This proposed legislation presents several significant benefits for the future of space activities:

• A Safer Space Environment: By actively removing hazardous debris, the risk of collisions is reduced, making space safer for all operational satellites and human missions.
• Long-Term Sustainability: The initiative helps preserve access to Earth’s orbit for future generations, ensuring that this vital domain remains usable for scientific, commercial, and national security purposes.
• Shared Responsibility: The fee system promotes a sense of collective responsibility among all space actors for the health of the orbital environment.
• Fostering Innovation: The demand for active debris removal services, backed by dedicated funding, will stimulate innovation and investment in advanced space technologies.

Summary

The “Space Debris Mitigation and Remediation Act of 2025” represents a strawman proposal for a forward-thinking approach to a growing global challenge. By establishing an upfront launch fee, applied retroactively to existing orbital assets and to new launches, and by incentivizing responsible deorbiting practices, the legislation seeks to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable orbital environment. The creation of a dedicated Active Debris Removal Organization and its associated fund provides the necessary structure and resources to address the existing debris problem and protect humanity’s future in space.

Appendix: Draft Legislation

Space Debris Mitigation and Remediation Act of 2025

A BILL

To establish a fund for active debris removal and remediation of orbital space debris, and for other purposes.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Space Debris Mitigation and Remediation Act of 2025”.

SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

(a) FINDINGS. Congress finds the following:

1. The proliferation of orbital debris poses a significant and growing threat to operational satellites, human spaceflight, and the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
2. Current international guidelines and voluntary measures for space debris mitigation, while valuable, are insufficient to address the existing and projected volume of debris.
3. Active debris removal (ADR) technologies and operations are important for maintaining a safe and accessible space environment for future generations.
4. The costs associated with active debris removal are substantial and should be equitably shared among entities contributing to the orbital environment.
5. Establishing a dedicated fund and organization will ensure the sustained capability to perform necessary debris removal operations.

(b) PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to:

1. Establish a mandatory upfront fee for satellite launches to fund active debris removal operations, applied retroactively to existing orbital assets.
2. Incentivize responsible deorbiting practices by providing a partial refund mechanism for satellites that deorbit prior to a specified legislative date after their mission concludes.
3. Support the establishment and operation of a dedicated Active Debris Removal Organization and its associated assets.

SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

(1) ACTIVE DEBRIS REMOVAL (ADR). The term “active debris removal” means any operation or technology designed to physically remove defunct satellites, spent rocket bodies, or other non-functional objects from Earth orbit.

(2) ACTIVE DEBRIS REMOVAL ORGANIZATION (ADRO). The term “Active Debris Removal Organization” refers to the entity established under Section 5 of this Act, responsible for managing the Space Debris Remediation Fund and conducting or contracting active debris removal operations.

(3) END OF MISSION. The term “end of mission” refers to the point at which a satellite ceases to perform its intended operational function, as declared by the launching entity or as determined by the ADRO based on technical criteria.

(4) LAUNCHING ENTITY. The term “launching entity” means any company, organization, or government agency that conducts or contracts for the launch of a satellite into Earth orbit from United States territory or by a United States-licensed launch provider, and for the purposes of this Act, includes entities responsible for satellites currently in Earth orbit.

(5) LEGISLATIVE DEORBIT DATE. The term “legislative deorbit date” means a specific date, to be determined by the ADRO in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Commerce, by which a satellite is expected to deorbit after its end of mission, based on orbital parameters and international best practices (e.g., 25-year rule).

(6) SATELLITE. The term “satellite” means any human-made object intentionally placed into Earth orbit for operational purposes.

(7) SPACE DEBRIS REMEDIATION FUND. The term “Space Debris Remediation Fund” refers to the dedicated fund established under Section 6 of this Act.

SECTION 4. SATELLITE LAUNCH FEE.

(a) REQUIREMENT FOR FEE PAYMENT. Beginning [Effective Date of Act], any launching entity shall pay an upfront fee to the Space Debris Remediation Fund for each satellite that remains in Earth orbit as of the effective date of this Act, and for each satellite intending to be launched into Earth orbit thereafter.

(b) FEE CALCULATION.

1. The amount of the upfront fee shall be determined by the ADRO, in consultation with the FCC and the Department of Commerce, based on factors including:
   • The mass of the satellite.
   • The orbital altitude and inclination of the planned or current orbit.
   • The projected orbital lifetime of the satellite.
   • The estimated cost of potential active debris removal for similar objects.
2. The ADRO shall publish a transparent methodology for fee calculation and update it annually.

(c) FEE REFUND MECHANISM.

1. A launching entity shall be eligible for a partial refund of the upfront fee if the satellite deorbits prior to its legislative deorbit date after its end of mission.
2. The percentage of the refund shall be determined by the ADRO, based on how significantly the actual deorbit time precedes the legislative deorbit date. The refund percentage shall decrease proportionally as the deorbit date approaches the legislative deorbit date.
3. The ADRO shall establish clear procedures for verifying deorbit and processing refund requests.
4. No refund shall be granted if the satellite deorbits on or after its legislative deorbit date, or if the deorbit is uncontrolled and poses an undue risk to public safety or other space assets.

SECTION 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ACTIVE DEBRIS REMOVAL ORGANIZATION (ADRO).

(a) ESTABLISHMENT. There is hereby established an independent, non-profit Active Debris Removal Organization (ADRO) to manage the Space Debris Remediation Fund and oversee active debris removal operations.

(b) GOVERNANCE. The ADRO shall be governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from government agencies (e.g., NASA, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense), the commercial space industry, and independent space safety experts.

(c) FUNCTIONS. The ADRO shall:

1. Administer the Space Debris Remediation Fund.
2. Develop and maintain a comprehensive catalog of orbital debris requiring active removal.
3. Prioritize debris removal targets based on risk to operational assets and environmental impact.
4. Contract with qualified commercial entities for active debris removal services.
5. Conduct research and development into new active debris removal technologies.
6. Promote international cooperation on space debris mitigation and remediation.
7. Publish annual reports on its activities, financial status, and progress in debris removal.

SECTION 6. SPACE DEBRIS REMEDIATION FUND.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF FUND. There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the “Space Debris Remediation Fund”.

(b) SOURCES OF FUNDS. The Fund shall consist of:

1. All upfront fees collected from launching entities under Section 4.
2. Any appropriations made by Congress for the purpose of active debris removal.
3. Any gifts, grants, or donations received by the ADRO.
4. Any interest earned on investments of amounts in the Fund.

(c) USE OF FUNDS. Amounts in the Fund shall be available to the ADRO, without further appropriation, for the following purposes:

1. Funding active debris removal operations, including contracting with commercial providers.
2. Research and development of active debris removal technologies.
3. Administrative and operational expenses of the ADRO.
4. Issuing refunds as specified in Section 4(c).
5. Public outreach and education regarding space debris.

SECTION 7. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT.

(a) COMPLIANCE. No license for the launch of a satellite shall be issued by the FCC or any other relevant federal agency unless the launching entity provides proof of payment of the upfront fee to the Space Debris Remediation Fund for all satellites under their responsibility as defined in Section 4(a).

(b) PENALTIES. The ADRO, in coordination with relevant federal agencies, may establish civil penalties for non-compliance with the provisions of this Act, including but not limited to, failure to pay fees or misrepresentation of deorbit capabilities.

SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of its enactment.