ORBITS Act of 2024
Introduced on June 18, 2024 by Joseph Neguse
Legislation Details
Last updated 10/7/2024
Introduced on June 18, 2024 by Joseph Neguse
Last updated 10/7/2024
Orbital Sustainability Act of 2024 or the ORBITS Act of 2024
This bill directs specified agencies to take actions to remediate orbital debris
(human-made space objects that are no longer in use and can harm orbiting
satellites and on-orbit activities).
The Department of Commerce must publish and periodically update a list of
orbital debris that may be remediated to reduce the risk of harm to orbiting
satellites and on-orbit activities. In addition, the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) must (1) establish a demonstration program to foster
the development of technologies to remediate the orbital debris on the list, and
(2) carry out other research and development activities to advance technologies
for remediating orbital debris.
NASA (and other relevant agencies) may also contract for remediation services to
support the commercial availability of such services.
Additionally, the National Space Council must update the Orbital Debris
Mitigation Standard Practices within 90 days of the enactment of the bill and
update them periodically thereafter. The updates must address matters including
satellite constellations and other planned space systems, collision risks, and
disposal of space systems after missions. The updates must inform (1)
regulations of other agencies concerning orbital debris, and (2) bilateral and
multilateral discussions with other countries concerning certain space
activities.
Finally, Commerce must facilitate the development of standard practices to
coordinate on-orbit space traffic. Upon completion of the practices, Commerce
and other federal departments must promote their adoption and use for space
missions.