Dish Network, a US satellite TV provider, has been fined $150,000 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for violating the agency’s anti-space debris rule. This is the first time that the FCC has issued a fine for such a violation. Dish failed to properly de-orbit its EchoStar-7 satellite, which had been in space for over 20 years. Instead of disposing of the satellite in a designated “graveyard orbit,” Dish sent it into a disposal orbit at a lower altitude, posing a risk of orbital debris.
Enforcement bureau chief Loyaan A Egal stated that as satellite operations increase and the space economy grows, it is crucial for operators to comply with their commitments. The FCC aims to enforce its vital space debris rules, and this settlement with Dish Network serves as a breakthrough in demonstrating the agency’s strong enforcement authority.
Dish launched the EchoStar-7 satellite into geostationary orbit in 2002 and agreed in 2012 to a debris mitigation plan. This plan required them to send the satellite to a graveyard orbit once its mission was completed to minimize the risk to other active satellites. However, in 2022, Dish realized the satellite was low on propellant and would not reach its intended destination. Consequently, the satellite ended up only 76 miles above the active geostationary orbit areas, missing its mark by 178 km.
Space debris is a growing concern for the FCC, as it hinders the ability of incoming satellites to start new missions. In 2022, the FCC adopted a rule that mandates satellite operators to dispose of their satellites within five years of mission completion. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has stressed the importance of addressing the issue, as space junk has the potential to limit future opportunities.
The FCC’s fine on Dish Network serves as a reminder to all satellite operators to adhere to space debris regulations to ensure the sustainability and safety of space activities.