Satellite Operators Launch Multiple Recon Petitions at Orbital Debris Order
Mandatory separation distances between constellations and dropping some disclosure requirements were among changes satellite operators suggested to the FCC April orbital debris order (see 2004230040). Petitions for reconsideration were filed Friday in docket 18-313. Citing recently proposed satellite constellations that…
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seek orbits that would overlap with other large systems, Amazon's Kuiper sought to require large non-geostationary orbit constellation filings to maintain enough orbital separation, such as a kilometer, from an earlier-filed large NGSO constellation. That would apply to U.S.- and foreign-licensed constellations seeking U.S. market access. Boeing, Echostar/Hughes, Planet Labs, Spire and Telesat said the FCC should withdraw its satellite effective maneuverability information disclosure and operational requirement, replacing maneuverability requirements with objective obligations to be defined by federal agencies with industry input. They sought to remove obligations on big constellations to hit 0.99 probability for post-mission satellite disposal; restrictions on satellite launch deployment devices; and information disclosure requirement for liquids that could remain in droplet form in space. SpaceX asked to reconsider retaining the foreign satellite operator exemption from orbital debris rules, or clarify what information is required to fulfill its transparency requirement for foreign licensees, saying that "the need for all systems operating in the United States to be subject to the strong oversight of the Commission has never been more clear." The agency didn't comment.