Rosenworcel Touts Orbital Debris Draft Item at Global Aerospace Summit

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel plugged FCC proposals on orbital debris, (in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) and the agency’s new focus on space, in remarks at the Global Aerospace Summit Wednesday. “Right now there are thousands of metric tons of orbital debris in the air above,” Rosenworcel said of the draft item set for the agency’s September meeting. The item proposes shortening deorbiting requirements from 25 years to five. “We need to address it. Because if we don’t, this space junk could constrain new opportunities,” she said. “I hope my colleagues will join me in this effort.” The FCC’s focus on space matters is intended to help the U.S. “lead in this new space age and emerging space economy,” she said. “I am proud to say that we have increased the size of the agency division responsible for satellite matters by 38 percent.”