Satellite television company Dish Network has been fined $150,000 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for failing to properly dispose of one of its satellites. This marks the first time that federal regulators have issued such a penalty for improper satellite disposal.
The FCC, which authorizes space-based telecom services, announced on Monday that it had settled an investigation into Dish. The settlement includes the fine and an “admission of liability” from the company.
In a news release, the FCC stated, “This marks a first in space debris enforcement by the Commission, which has stepped up its satellite policy efforts.”
Dish Network responded to the fine in a statement, explaining that the satellite in question was an older spacecraft launched in 2002, which had been exempted from the FCC’s rule requiring minimum disposal orbit. The company also emphasized that the FCC made no claims that the satellite posed any orbital debris safety concerns and that Dish has a long track record of safely operating its satellite fleet.
The issue of space debris is becoming increasingly pressing for satellite operators. There are currently almost 700,000 pieces of uncontrolled garbage larger than 0.4 inch (1 centimeter) in Earth’s orbit. This debris poses a risk of collisions with active satellites, the International Space Station, and other pieces of debris, which could exacerbate the risk of in-space collisions.
The FCC’s investigation into Dish Network focused on a satellite called EchoStar-7. The satellite was launched to geostationary orbit in 2002 but was approved for decommissioning in 2012 to retire about 186 miles (300 kilometers) above its operational field. However, Dish did not leave enough fuel on board the satellite to make that maneuver possible, and the satellite was left dead in an orbit only about 76 miles (122 kilometers) above the active areas in geostationary orbit.
The FCC’s consent decree stated, “Orbital debris in space jeopardizes the nation’s terrestrial and space-based communication systems by increasing the risk of damage to satellite communication systems.” It emphasized the importance of satellite licensees meeting post-mission disposal requirements in compliance with their authorizations.
While geostationary orbit is located above low-Earth orbit, which is prone to space debris, it is still home to large, expensive telecommunications satellites. The fine imposed on Dish Network serves as a reminder to satellite operators of their responsibility to properly dispose of satellites to ensure the safety of space communications systems.