FAA Proposes Stricter Rules to Curb Space Debris

The FAA has proposed a rule to limit new orbital debris from commercial space vehicles in order to reduce the risk of collisions with spacecraft and satellites. The proposed rule focuses on how commercial operators will be required to dispose of the upper stages of their launch vehicles, offering five disposal options. The FAA aims to align commercial space orbital debris mitigation practices with those accepted by the U.S. government for its space missions. The rule will be open for public comment for 90 days.