spacetoday.net: FCC fines Dish Network for space debris

Posted: Sun, Oct 8, 2023, 11:06 AM ET (1506 GMT)
The FCC has fined Dish Network for failing to properly deorbit a satellite in a first-of-its-kind enforcement action. The FCC said Monday it fined Dish $150,000 for not moving its EchoStar-7 satellite into a "graveyard" orbit above geostationary orbit at the end of its life. The company had agreed to raise the satellite's orbit by at least 300 kilometers to avoid interference with other spacecraft in GEO, but ended up raising the orbit only 122 kilometers. EchoStar-7 could pose orbital debris concerns at this lower altitude, the FCC warned. Dish agreed to implement several orbital debris safety measures in addition to the penalty, such as developing and improving ways to track propellant reserves, providing more details about how and when it will dispose of each operational satellite, and training to ensure employees comply with space rules and operating procedures.