ORBITS Act of 2025

This bill aims to clean up space junk and make satellite operations safer. It would require the Department of Commerce to post a public list of high‑risk orbital debris within 90 days, using government and commercial data, and keep it updated over time . NASA would then start a demonstration project within 180 days to fund and test technologies that can remove or safely move debris, with competitive awards, clear milestones, and safety checks before any on‑orbit demo mission . The bill recognizes that growing debris threatens satellites we rely on for communications, weather, and research, and pushes the U.S. to lead in solutions and best practices at home and with other countries .

It also updates national “standard practices” for preventing debris—like rules on collision risk, disposal after a mission, and avoiding explosions—within one year, and uses those practices to guide future regulations across agencies. These standards must be reviewed at least every five years and promoted internationally. The bill further directs Commerce and defense agencies to help set common practices for space traffic coordination so satellites can operate more safely. Funding of $150 million is authorized for 2026–2030, with any unused amounts pulled back by the end of 2030. An economic analysis will estimate government and private demand for debris‑cleanup services over the decade starting in 2026 .

• Who is affected: satellite operators, space companies, researchers, and people who rely on satellite services like GPS, internet, and weather alerts .
• What changes: a public debris list; funded tests and a demo mission for debris cleanup; updated national standards to reduce and handle debris; common practices for space traffic; and a market study to support future cleanup services .
• When: debris list in 90 days; demo program in 180 days; standards update published within one year; periodic reviews every five years; funding and market analysis covering 2026–2030, with unused funds rescinded by December 31, 2030 .