https://www.sciencealert.com/first-ever-fine-issued-over-space-junk
'US authorities said they have issued a "breakthrough" first-ever fine over
space debris, slapping a $150,000 penalty on a TV company that failed to
properly dispose of a satellite.
On Monday the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) came down on Dish for
"failure to properly deorbit" a satellite called EchoStar-7, in orbit since
2002.
"This marks a first in space debris enforcement by the Commission, which has
stepped up its satellite policy efforts," the FCC, which authorizes space-based
telecom services, said in a statement.
As the geostationary satellite came to the end of its operational life, Dish
had moved it to an altitude lower than the two parties had agreed on, where it
"could pose orbital debris concerns," the FCC said.
The commission said Dish, a US satellite television provider, pledged in 2012
to elevate the satellite to 300 kilometers (190 miles) above its operational
arc.
But with fuel running low, it retired the satellite at an altitude just over
120 kilometers above the original arc.
"As satellite operations become more prevalent and the space economy
accelerates, we must be certain that operators comply with their commitments,"
said FCC enforcement bureau chief Loyaan Egal.
"This is a breakthrough settlement, making very clear the FCC has strong
enforcement authority and capability to enforce its vitally important space
debris rules."
The FCC said the settlement "includes an admission of liability from the
company and an agreement to adhere to a compliance plan and pay a penalty of
$150,000."'
Via Joyce Donahue and Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
