SpaceX’s Starship rocket stands ready for launch ahead of April’s test flight. [Credit: SpaceX]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA has proposed a new rule to limit orbital debris from commercial space vehicles, aiming to promote a sustainable space environment and reduce collision risks.
The rule specifically mandates how commercial operators must dispose of launch vehicle upper stages, addressing the growing problem of over 23,000 large orbital objects and half a million smaller ones.
Five disposal options are outlined, including controlled reentry, moving to a less congested "graveyard" orbit, or natural decay within 25 years, to align commercial practices with U.S. government space mission standards.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared on AVweb.com.
The FAA has proposed a rule designed to limit new orbital debris from commercial space vehicles, citing the need to “reduce the potential for collisions with spacecraft and satellites to promote a sustainable space environment.”
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