SpaceX Urges Approval of Draft Space Debris Rules

SpaceX “strongly supports” recently circulated draft orbital debris rules, proposed for a vote at the Sept. 29 FCC meeting (see 2209080057), said a filing posted Friday in docket 18-313. “SpaceX has long advocated for strong policies that drive more efficient and sustainable use of orbital resources, and has supported a five-year post-mission disposal timeframe for years,” the company said: “SpaceX particularly appreciates that the draft rule would apply equally to U.S.- and non-U.S.-licensed operators, initiating long-overdue efforts toward closing the foreign operator loophole, which non-U.S.-licensed operators have repeatedly weaponized to harm U.S. operators and American consumers while escaping scrutiny of their own high-risk systems.” The company said it met with staff for Commissioner Geoffrey Starks.