The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued the first-ever fine for the improper disposal of space junk to television provider Dish Network.
Due to a lack of propellant left on one of the company’s satellites, the craft was unable to complete its planned disposal in February 2022.
It was ultimately retired at an orbit well short of the 300 kilometres specified in its clean-up plan, according to the FCC.
The regulator’s investigation found that Dish Network had violated the Communications Act, the FCC rules, and the terms of the company’s license.
Dish Network was fined $US150,000 ($238,000).
“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.”
While this is the first fine for not disposing of already launched satellites, the FCC has issued fines over unauthorised launches in the past.
Indeed, a tiny shire in regional Western Australia once tried to fine NASA for ‘littering’ when a 1979 satellite crash-landed there.NASA didn’t pay up in that instance, though a Californian radio station raised the $400 instead.
