The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a $150,000 fine against Dish Network for failing to properly dispose of its broadcast communications satellite, leading to an increase in orbital debris.
As part of its ongoing efforts to tackle the growing problem of space junk, the FCC penalized the broadcast satellite provider for failing to properly deorbit its EchoStar-7 satellite. “This is a breakthrough settlement, making very clear the FCC has strong enforcement authority and capability to enforce its vitally important space debris rules,” FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan Egal said in an emailed statement.
According to its orbital debris mitigation plan, Dish was supposed to bring down its EchoStar-7 satellite to an altitude of around 186 miles (300 kilometers) above its operational…
