Iridium joins SpaceX and Kuiper in asking the FCC for a hard limit on satellites exploding

FCC ECFS · IB Docket 18-313 · Letter · 2024-06-24

Iridium wants the FCC to put a hard number on how often satellites are allowed to blow up. In a June 24, 2024 letter to the orbital-debris docket, it said it "agrees with SpaceX and Kuiper" that the Commission should set a firm threshold for accidental explosions based on NASA Standards. For the rule to bite, Iridium added, the threshold "must be applied evenly across all operators" and be clearly defined "so that it may be calculated and enforced." It asked the FCC to seek comment on how.

The proceeding, IB Docket 18-313 ("Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age"), has drawn 339 filings, including 159 comments and 125 ex parte notices.

"the Commission should adopt a firm threshold for accidental explosions in accordance with NASA Standards"

— Iridium, FCC docket 18-313

Sources: FCC ECFS filing → · Orbit Sentinel (docket 18-313)

Filed underDocket 18-313Orbital DebrisSatellite ExplosionsFCCIridiumSpace Sustainability

Questions & answers

What is Iridium asking the FCC to do?
To adopt a firm threshold for accidental satellite explosions in accordance with NASA Standards, and to seek comment on how that threshold should be evaluated and enforced.
Which standard does Iridium point to?
The U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices, specifically NASA-STD-8719.14.
What FCC proceeding is this part of?
IB Docket 18-313, "Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age."