United States

Policy

2010

National Space Policy Emphasizes Debris Mitigation (June 28, 2010)

2010 National Space Policy (Obama Administration):

The 2010 National Space Policy reinforced the United States’ commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the space environment by actively minimizing the creation of orbital debris. Recognizing that debris poses significant risks to both current and future space operations, the policy established clear guidelines and expectations for U.S. government agencies to lead global efforts in space safety and environmental stewardship.

Key Agency Responsibilities:

Under the 2010 policy, U.S. government agencies were mandated to:

Lead the development and adoption of international and industry standards for debris mitigation: Agencies were expected to play a proactive role in shaping global norms, ensuring that U.S. practices set a standard for safe and sustainable space operations.
Maintain and utilize Space Situational Awareness (SSA) information: Agencies were required to continuously monitor the orbital environment and incorporate SSA data into mission planning to avoid collisions and mitigate debris risks.
Implement the U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (USG ODMSP): Originally adopted in 2001, the ODMSP served as the technical baseline for all federal space programs. Agencies were directed to integrate these standards into mission design, operations, and end-of-life procedures for spacecraft and launch vehicles.
Pursue research and development (R&D) in debris mitigation and removal technologies: The policy emphasized innovation in active debris removal, safer spacecraft design, and other technologies to minimize the creation and impact of orbital debris.
Obtain explicit agency approval for exceptions: Any deviation from standard mitigation practices required authorization from agency heads, with mandatory notification to the Secretary of State, ensuring accountability and oversight at the highest levels.

Regulatory and Strategic Implications (2010):

The 2010 National Space Policy tied U.S. government funding, mission planning, and international leadership directly to debris mitigation practices.

By formalizing the ODMSP as the foundational technical guideline, the policy reinforced that all federal space programs must integrate debris reduction into their operational and strategic planning. This approach positioned the U.S. as a leader in promoting sustainable space operations, signaling to international partners and private industry the importance of collaboration in preserving the orbital environment.

2011-2013

U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (USG ODMSP)

The U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (USG ODMSP) were established in 2001 through a collaborative effort between NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD). These standards were designed to provide formal, binding interagency guidance for all U.S. government space operations, with the overarching goal of reducing the long-term hazards posed by orbital debris to both current and future space activities. The USG ODMSP established a structured framework to address debris generation throughout the entire life cycle of spacecraft and launch vehicle components. Key areas of focus included:

Minimizing debris released during normal operations: Guidance emphasized design and operational measures to prevent routine ejection of mission-related components, such as lens caps, booster stages, or other non-functional hardware, that could contribute to the accumulation of debris in orbit.

Minimizing accidental explosions: The standards recommended design modifications, passivation of leftover energy sources, and other preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of on-orbit explosions, which historically have been a significant source of debris.

Minimizing collision risk: The ODMSP encouraged mission planning and active orbital management to prevent collisions between operational satellites, as well as between operational satellites and existing debris, through measures such as orbital spacing, maneuvering strategies, and coordination with other operators.

Disposing spacecraft and launch vehicle components post-mission: The standards included end-of-life disposal practices, such as controlled re-entry into the atmosphere for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and transfer to graveyard orbits for geosynchronous satellites, to ensure that retired hardware does not persist as long-term debris.

Implementation of these practices required coordinated efforts across multiple federal agencies. NASA, the DoD, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) each incorporated aspects of the ODMSP into their regulatory or operational frameworks, ensuring that U.S. government space operations adhered to a consistent set of debris mitigation principles.

The statutory basis for U.S. debris mitigation policies was further reinforced with the codification of Title 51 of the U.S. Code (National and Commercial Space Programs) in 2010. This legislation provided explicit legal authority for federal agencies to incorporate orbital debris mitigation measures into licensing, oversight, and operational protocols. Under Title 51, agencies responsible for civil space programs were granted authority to enforce debris mitigation expectations, ensuring that both government and private sector actors operating in U.S. jurisdiction adhere to standards intended to safeguard the space environment.

2014-2016

FCC Orbital Debris Licensing Requirements (2014–2016)

During the period from 2014 to 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maintained stringent oversight of orbital debris considerations as part of its satellite licensing process. These measures were designed to address the growing concern over space debris and to ensure the long-term sustainability of space operations in increasingly congested orbital regimes.

The FCC’s regulatory framework during this period required satellite operators to provide detailed debris mitigation plans that demonstrated how the spacecraft would minimize the creation of debris throughout its operational life. Specifically, applicants were expected to:

Develop and submit debris mitigation plans describing design, operational, and post-mission strategies to limit debris generation.

Demonstrate end-of-life disposal procedures for satellites, such as controlled re-entry for low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites or transfer to a “graveyard” orbit for geostationary orbit (GEO) spacecraft.

Prevent accidental explosions by ensuring proper passivation of onboard energy sources, including batteries and propellants, at mission conclusion.

Implement collision-avoidance measures, such as tracking and maneuvering plans, to reduce the risk of in-orbit collisions with existing satellites or debris.

Ensure GEO satellite disposition was consistent with guidelines established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and widely recognized international norms, including maintaining sufficient orbital separation and avoiding interference with operational satellites.

These measures reflected the FCC’s commitment to balancing the growth of commercial and governmental satellite operations with the need to mitigate the accumulation of orbital debris, which posed both operational and safety risks to existing space assets.

NOAA Handling of Remote Sensing Licenses (2014–2016)

During the same timeframe, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) retained oversight of licensing for private Earth-observation and remote sensing satellites. NOAA’s regulations required applicants to submit debris mitigation and end-of-life disposal plans as part of the licensing process. Although these requirements were formally enforced, they primarily mirrored the technical standards already addressed by the FCC for communication satellites.

Between 2014 and 2016, NOAA’s role ensured that commercial operators of remote sensing satellites incorporated debris mitigation into their mission planning, reinforcing the broader federal framework for sustainable space operations. These requirements remained in place until 2020, after which NOAA’s debris-specific obligations were largely eliminated, leaving the FCC as the principal federal authority governing orbital debris compliance for commercial satellite operations.

2017

NASA Transition Authorization Reporting (2017)

Legislative requirement: The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 mandated reports to Congress on federal strategies for orbital debris mitigation and coordination with international partners.

ODMSP implementation: NASA highlighted continued adherence to the Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (ODMSP), including spacecraft design guidelines, end-of-life disposal procedures, and collision avoidance protocols.

SSA improvements: Collaboration with the Department of Defense (DoD) was emphasized, particularly the recent enhancements in Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities, such as improved tracking of orbiting objects and predictive modeling for collision risk assessment.

Debris reduction focus: Reports stressed the ongoing goal of reducing debris generation to ensure safe operations in increasingly congested orbital regimes.

OSTP Interagency Coordination (2017)

Regulatory oversight: The 2017 OSTP report identified the FAA, FCC, and NOAA as key agencies enforcing debris mitigation standards for U.S. commercial and government space operations.

Interagency collaboration: The report emphasized that effective debris mitigation relies on coordinated policy implementation, licensing requirements, and interagency data sharing.

International engagement: OSTP highlighted the need for collaboration with international partners to harmonize global debris mitigation standards, reflecting the transnational nature of space safety challenges.

2018

June 18, 2018 — National Space Traffic Management Policy (SPD-3):

SPD-3 marked the first U.S. National Space Policy explicitly focused on Space Traffic Management (STM) and the mitigation of orbital debris, signaling a significant policy shift in how the United States approached the rapidly evolving space environment.

Key Policy Shifts:

Recognition of Orbital Debris as a Critical Risk: For the first time, the policy formally acknowledged that orbital debris posed a serious threat to the safety and sustainability of U.S. space operations. This recognition emphasized the need for coordinated action to reduce collision risks and protect both government and commercial space assets.

Development of Common Standards Across Agencies: SPD-3 directed all relevant U.S. government agencies to establish harmonized standards for orbital debris mitigation, space situational awareness (SSA), and broader space traffic management. By promoting interagency consistency, the policy aimed to enhance situational awareness and reduce operational conflicts in increasingly congested orbits.

NASA’s Leadership Role: The policy assigned NASA the responsibility of leading an interagency effort to update the U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (ODMSP). This update was intended to reflect new operational realities, including the proliferation of large satellite constellations, rendezvous and proximity operations, and the increasing deployment of small satellites, all of which introduce new complexities to space traffic and debris management.

SPD-3 represented a major institutional commitment to modernizing U.S. space debris policy and integrating it into a comprehensive framework for space traffic coordination. It signaled that the U.S. government recognized not only the immediate hazards posed by orbital debris but also the strategic necessity of proactive, coordinated management of an increasingly congested space environment. In practical terms, SPD-3 served as the primary driver for the 2019 update to the Standard Practices, laying the groundwork for subsequent regulatory and operational developments in orbital debris mitigation and space traffic management.

2019

November 2019 — Updated U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (ODMSP)

In November 2019, an interagency working group finalized an updated version of the U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (ODMSP). The update represented a significant evolution of U.S. space policy, reflecting both the directives of Space Policy Directive-3 (SPD-3) and the rapidly changing space environment, particularly the proliferation of small satellite constellations and increased launch rates. Key enhancements included:

Quantitative limits on debris released during normal operations: The update established measurable thresholds for the amount of debris that satellites may generate under routine mission operations, addressing concerns over cumulative debris accumulation in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Probabilistic limits on accidental explosions: To reduce the risk of catastrophic debris-generating events, probabilistic constraints were defined to limit the likelihood of satellite explosions due to onboard energy sources such as residual propellant or batteries.

Collision probability limits: New guidance incorporated collision probability assessments not only for large objects but also for small debris, reflecting growing awareness of the risk posed by debris fragments under 10 cm in size, which are difficult to track yet capable of causing serious damage.

Refined post-mission disposal reliability thresholds: The updated ODMSP clarified the reliability requirements for end-of-life disposal maneuvers, including deorbiting and transfer to graveyard orbits, aiming to ensure that satellites and upper stages are effectively removed from operational space after mission completion.

Broadened applicability to large constellations and modern operations: Recognizing the emerging deployment of multi-satellite constellations, the ODMSP now explicitly addressed operational considerations for these systems, including cumulative debris risk, coordinated disposal, and orbital spacing strategies.

FCC 2019 Orbital Debris Mitigation Rulemaking

In parallel, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated a rulemaking in 2019 to update its satellite debris mitigation regulations. The proposed amendments aimed to:

Incorporate the latest U.S. Government interagency guidance, including the revised ODMSP, into FCC licensing requirements.

Align regulatory requirements with best practices for minimizing orbital debris, including post-mission disposal, collision risk mitigation, and limitations on debris released during operations.

Reflect the operational realities of modern satellite systems, particularly the deployment of large-scale constellations, increased launch cadence, and the associated cumulative risks to the orbital environment.

2020

FCC Final Rule: “Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age”

In August 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted significant amendments to its regulations governing orbital debris mitigation, reflecting the rapid expansion of satellite constellations and increased launch activity in low-Earth orbit (LEO). These regulatory updates sought to modernize U.S. orbital debris policy to address the growing risks associated with the “new space age,” characterized by high-density constellations and frequent launch operations.

Key updates included:

Expanded Scope for Satellite Constellations: The amendments explicitly considered the unique risks posed by large-scale satellite constellations, which were increasingly deployed by commercial operators. The FCC recognized that traditional debris mitigation approaches needed to be adapted to account for cumulative collision risk from multiple, simultaneously operating satellites.

Numerical Thresholds for Collision Risk Assessments: Licensees were now required to quantify the probability of collision with other space objects, applying specific numerical limits to ensure operations maintained acceptable risk levels. This provided a more objective and measurable framework for assessing orbital safety.

Enhanced Collision Avoidance and Post-Mission Disposal Planning: Operators were required to submit detailed plans for avoiding collisions throughout the satellite’s operational life, as well as for deorbiting or otherwise disposing of spacecraft at end-of-life. This aimed to minimize long-term debris accumulation and promote sustainable use of orbital space.

NOAA Deregulation of Orbital Debris Requirements

In 2020, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) removed formal orbital debris mitigation obligations from its remote sensing satellite licensing framework. This regulatory shift effectively streamlined the oversight of U.S. satellites by consolidating orbital debris authority under the FCC, clarifying jurisdiction, and eliminating overlapping or potentially conflicting requirements.

Impact on Satellite Operators

These 2020 regulatory developments had immediate and practical implications for operators of U.S.-licensed satellites, particularly those deploying large constellations:

Increased Compliance Expectations: Licensees were required to integrate more rigorous debris mitigation measures into both their design and operational planning. This included implementing collision avoidance protocols and developing post-mission disposal strategies aligned with FCC standards.

Alignment with Global Risk Management Trends: The FCC’s amendments reflected modern orbital debris challenges and reinforced the United States’ commitment to internationally recognized best practices for space sustainability, complementing guidance from the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and other global forums.

Streamlined Regulatory Oversight: By consolidating debris mitigation obligations under the FCC, U.S. operators faced a clearer regulatory pathway, reducing duplicative requirements and enhancing predictability for compliance planning.

2021-2022

National Orbital Debris Implementation Plan (2021–2022)

During 2021–2022, the U.S. Government advanced efforts to address the growing risks posed by orbital debris through the issuance of the National Orbital Debris Implementation Plan. This plan outlined concrete actions organized around three primary pillars:

Debris Mitigation: Establishing and reinforcing standards for the design, operation, and end-of-life disposal of satellites and spacecraft to minimize the generation of new debris. This included adherence to guidelines on passivation, collision avoidance, and deorbit procedures.
Tracking and Characterization (Space Situational Awareness, SSA): Enhancing capabilities to detect, track, and predict the movement of orbital objects. This involved improvements to radar and optical sensor networks, data-sharing initiatives, and predictive modeling to reduce the risk of collisions and inform operational decisions.
Remediation (Future Removal Technologies): Supporting research and development of technologies capable of actively removing or deorbiting existing debris from key orbital regions. This pillar aimed to explore scalable approaches for long-term sustainability of the space environment.

Industry & Policy Engagement

Throughout 2021–2022, heightened attention from both the public and the space industry intensified regulatory discussions surrounding orbital debris. Key debates focused on:

Five-Year Disposal Timelines: Evaluating the feasibility and enforceability of current recommendations requiring satellites to be deorbited or moved to disposal orbits within five years of mission completion.

Liability Mechanisms: Considering legal and financial responsibility frameworks to address damages caused by collisions with space debris, including potential obligations for operators of defunct satellites.

2023

FAA Orbital Debris Proposed Rule (2023)

On September 20, 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a proposed rule aimed at mitigating the growth of orbital debris generated by commercial space operations. The proposal reflects increasing concerns over the long-term sustainability of space activities, particularly given the rapid expansion of private launch companies and the proliferation of satellite constellations.

Under the proposed rule, commercial operators would be required to implement one of several end-of-life disposal strategies for their spacecraft and upper stages, including:

Controlled reentry: directing the spacecraft or stage to reenter Earth’s atmosphere in a controlled manner to ensure it burns up safely over unpopulated areas.

Transfer to a storage or “graveyard” orbit: relocating non-operational spacecraft to higher, less congested orbits to minimize collision risks with active satellites.

Earth-escape trajectory: sending the spacecraft on a trajectory that removes it from Earth orbit entirely, reducing debris risk in commonly used orbital regimes.

Retrieval within five years: recovering the spacecraft or upper stage through active missions, either for refurbishment, reuse, or safe disposal.

Uncontrolled atmospheric disposal: allowing natural reentry into Earth’s atmosphere under strict limitations to ensure debris does not pose a risk to populated areas or operational satellites.

The 2023 FAA proposal represents a critical step toward harmonizing commercial space operations with broader U.S. government standards on orbital debris mitigation. Notably, the rule introduces more explicit requirements for upper-stage disposal—areas that were previously less prescriptive in FAA licensing regulations. By establishing clear end-of-life management options and timelines, the FAA aims to reduce the cumulative risk of collisions in Earth orbit, which can generate cascading debris events (the so-called “Kessler Syndrome”).

FCC Debris Enforcement Context:

Parallel to FAA initiatives, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has intensified enforcement of orbital debris obligations for commercial operators. In 2023, the FCC continued to levy fines and penalties against operators who failed to comply with end-of-life disposal requirements, signaling stricter oversight and a shift toward accountability in commercial space operations. These enforcement actions demonstrate the increasing regulatory expectation that operators actively manage debris risks, reinforcing the FAA’s proposed measures and the broader U.S. approach to space sustainability.

2024-2025

Space Situational Awareness & Traffic Coordination Legislation (S.428, 2025)

Proposed enhancements to U.S. space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities for improved monitoring of orbital objects and collision risks.

Strengthened space traffic coordination between commercial operators and government entities to reduce congestion in increasingly crowded orbits.

Expanded the role and responsibilities of the Office of Space Commerce, including clearer regulatory authority and enhanced data-sharing protocols.

Aimed to support sustainable operations across low-Earth orbit (LEO) and higher orbital regimes.

FCC 5-Year Satellite Disposal Requirement

Introduced a modernized debris mitigation standard: satellites must be deorbited within five years of mission completion.

Replaced the older “25-year rule”, signaling a more proactive approach to orbital debris management.

Applies to all U.S.-licensed satellites, including commercial constellations, emphasizing responsible operational practices.

Aligns with emerging best practices in orbital sustainability and international debris mitigation guidelines.

NASA Procedural and Technical Updates

Updated key procedural documents, including NPR 8715.6 (Safety and Mission Assurance Requirements) and NASA-STD-8719.14 (Software Safety Standard).

Incorporated guidance from the Office of Defense, Space, and Missile Programs (ODMSP) for small satellites and modern constellations.

Reinforced debris mitigation requirements and operational safety for both government missions and contractor spacecraft.

Enhances mission compliance with U.S. and international standards, promoting long-term space sustainability.

2026+