The US issued its first-ever space debris fine – and more could soon follow

The FCC this week imposed the first fine in US history for littering in outer space. Its lucky recipient? Satellite TV provider Dish Network, who will be out $150,000.

🛰️ What happened: In 2002, Dish launched a satellite known as EchoStar-7 into geostationary orbit, a level of space beginning 22,000 miles above the equator that enables orbiting objects to remain in a stationary position over one fixed spot on Earth (hence the term, geostationary).

The satellite TV provider received approval for an eventual satellite-sunset plan in 2012. As part of this plan, Dish and FCC both agreed the EchoStar-7 would be boosted ~186 miles above its geostationary orbit, where it wouldn't pose a risk to active satellites.

But, in early 2022, Dish revealed the EchoStar-7 only had enough fuel to propel itself ~76 miles above its existing orbit, well short of the agreed-upon plan – which is why the fine was levied.

👀 Looking ahead… Space is turning into a popular nightclub on the weekend – crowded, with the potential for problems to arise. There were ~5,500 active satellites in orbit last year, and tens of thousands more are expected to be launched over the next decade (SpaceX alone plans to launch 40,000).

But this looming issue is on officials’ radar. Earlier this year, the FCC established the Space Bureau, which is aimed at creating policy and regulations around these types of issues.