The Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) issued a $ 150,000 fine against Dish web for failing to in good order dispose of its broadcast communication satellite , leading to an increase in orbital debris .
As part of its ongoing efforts to harness the growing trouble of space junk , the FCC penalized the broadcast artificial satellite supplier for failing to properly deorbit its EchoStar-7 satellite . “ This is a find settlement , make very clear-cut the FCC has strong enforcement authority and capability to enforce its vitally of import distance debris rule , ” FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan Egal said in an emailed assertion .
According to its orbital debris moderation plan , Dish was reckon to bring down its EchoStar-7 artificial satellite to an altitude of around 186 miles ( 300 klick ) above its in operation geostationary orbit . From there , the company estimated that the satellite ’s end - of - commission deorbit maneuvers would take place in May 2022 based on its remain fuel .
An illustration of space debris littering Earth orbit.Illustration: ESA
In February 2022 , however , Dish determined that the satellite had very footling propellant left and it could therefore not stick to the original orbital debris extenuation plan outlined in the satellite ’s licence . As a result , the troupe sack out the orbiter at a electric pig orbit that ’s some 75 miles ( 122 kilometre ) above the geostationary arc instead , according to the FCC . At this lower altitude , the defunct satellite could pose concern as a float piece of space junk .
“ As satellite operation become more prevalent and the space economy accelerate , we must be sure that operators abide by with their commitments , ” Egal say . There are presently 34,580 debris aim being track by the Space Surveillance Networks with grand of smaller patch floating around , according to theEuropean Space Agency(ESA ) .
The FCC licenses radio frequencies used by satellite and ensures that satellite operator the right way deal their defunct artificial satellite rubble . originally this twelvemonth , the FCC institute a Space Bureauin order to keep up with the growing planet industry and allocate more resources towards its rule .
The FCC ’s late fine on Dish connection should serve as a big aftermath - up call to satellite providers when it come to their activity — or inactions — in space . This word is quite supporting — it ’s a house that the FCC means business sector when it comes to keeping space sporting and that it has the teeth to apply its rules . As more companies get into the space game , it ’s super important that they play by the rules to avoid turning space into a littered mess .
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